The Challenge of a "Knockout" PCR Test
- UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Tiffany Nichol Quick (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
- Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
- Advisor
- Harold Maxwell
Abstract: Deoxyribonucleic Acid, commonly known as DNA, is one of the, if not the single most important of the molecultes of life (Kuo). Found in every living cell, it carries the genetic code that determines all of an organism's characteristics. In humans, these characteristics range from eye color to allergies. Each one of us carries our own unique "signature" of DNA that make us all different from one another (Marini 100).A large part of genetic engineering involves identifying tiny units of heredity, called genes, that are found on the DNA. The DNA that a scientist has to work with, the easier and faster the identification process becomes. In the past, the common method for making copies of DNA was cloning. In this process, a segment of DNA would be inserted into living bacteria, which would take days or even weeks to produce a sufficient number of copies of the genetic material. Unfortunately, this method was "tedious, time-consuming, and expensive, like coping business documents before Xerox invented the copy machine." (Marini 100)This is why the PCR technique was created. PCR eliminates this "scientific grunt work." (Marini 100) No longer must a researcher search for genes like looking for a needle in a haystack. With PCR, a single strand of DNA can be copied millions and billions of times, creating as many "needles" of DNA as needed (Marini 100).
The Challenge of a "Knockout" PCR Test
PDF (Portable Document Format)
1802 KB
Created on 4/30/1996
Views: 181
Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 1996
- Keywords
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid, DNA, Genetic Code, Signature, Organisms, Heredity, PCR,