Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
The amount of DNA evidence obtained during the investigation of a crime is often very small, thus for successful DNA profiling some form of amplification is ideal. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique which allows for the exponential amplification of DNA fragments to lengths of approximately 10,000 base pairs. This means that, theoretically, a single copy of a DNA fragment could be amplified to millions of copies in just a few hours. PCR is particularly beneficial in the amplification of minute amounts or degraded samples.
A successful PCR reaction requires a number of vital primary components. Oligonucleotide primers which are complementary to the DNA target and mark the target to be amplified, with two primers being used. The base sequence of one primer binds to one side of the target whilst the other primer binds to the other side of the target, with the DNA between the primers being amplified. Fluorescent tags are often added to the primers to visualise amplified DNA in electrophoresis. DNA polymerase enzyme allows the DNA strand to be copied by adding nucleotides to the 3’ end of the primers. Other components required include a reaction buffer with MgCl to ensure ideal conditions for the functioning of the DNA polymerase enzyme, deoxyribonucleotides to build the DNA molecule, and template DNA. Modern PCR uses thermostable DNA polymerases. Most commonly used is the Taq polymerase, which has largely replaced the previously used E.coli-derived polymerase. This was isolated from Thermus aquaticus, which is an organism capable of surviving in temperatures over 70oC. However Taq polymerase lacks the ability to proof read. VENT polymerase is from Thermococcus litoralis, which can survive in temperatures over 100oC.
The PCR cycle consists of three primary steps: denaturation, annealing and extension. The process is generally conducted in a small, plastic centrifuge tube with the temperature carefully controlled using a thermal cycler.