PCR in Action
This video has been designed to support Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of PCR.
Our interactive video series Lab Techniques in Action shows commonly used lab techniques that are explored in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. These videos form part of the National e-Learning Offer by Education Scotland and are available to support your learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of these techniques.
This video shows the laboratory technique Polymerase Chain Reaction, known as PCR, which is used by scientists; to make many copies of a specific section of DNA. It has been designed specifically for pupils studying the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence Higher Biology & Higher Human Biology courses.
This video is not an instructional video and should not be used as a resource to carry out the techniques in your school. If you do wish to carry out PCR in your school you can visit the SSERC website for more information. If you would like your Higher pupils to get hands-on with PCR then you can bring them to us to take part in our PCR Masterclass: A Question of Taste workshop.
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Safety notice:
The experiments described in this video by the University of Edinburgh are potentially hazardous and require a high level of safety training, specialist facilities, equipment and supervision by highly trained individuals. These videos should not be used as instructional videos for you to carry out or attempt to carry out the technique described in the video. The University of Edinburgh is not liable for the actions or activity of any person who uses the information in this resource for anything other than educational demonstration purposes. The University of Edinburgh assumes no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information within this video and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources, if you use them for anything other than educational demonstration purposes.
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Phase |
Senior |
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Subject (s) |
Biology |
Human Biology |
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Level |
Higher |
Higher |
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Unit |
DNA and the Genome |
Human Cells |
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Course Area |
Replication of DNA |
Structure and replication of DNA |
Course Specifications
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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifies DNA using complementary primers for specific target sequences. |
In PCR, primers are short strands of nucleotides which are complementary to specific target sequences at the two ends of the region of DNA to be amplified.
We carry out PCR using a thermal cycler. |
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Repeated cycles of heating and cooling amplify the target region of DNA. |
DNA is heated to between 92 and 98°C to separate the strands. It is then cooled to between 50 and 65°C to allow primers to bind to target sequences. It is then heated to between 70 and 80°C for heat-tolerant DNA polymerase to replicate the region of DNA. |
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Practical applications of PCR. |
PCR can amplify DNA to help solve crimes, settle paternity suits, and diagnose genetic disorders.
Use gel electrophoresis to analyse DNA samples (from kits) to determine criminality or paternity. |