Until the mid-1980s, the only way to make many copies of DNA was to insert the DNA pieces into bacteria and select the desired one from many different colonies growing on a plate. In 1985, Kary Mullis (shown at right) invented a precise and radical new method of selecting and amplifying a section of DNA – the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The revelation came to this eccentric character on a drive in northern California.
Watch a Kary Mullis video:
Or, read more about the man behind the technique:
(These clips are also found on the DNA Interactive website under Manipulation > Techniques > Amplifying.)
There is a reason our PCR animation is our most watched ever; the polymerase chain reaction is challenging to describe in anything but a moving image. After you step through the process, check out the graph to fully grasp how quickly DNA can be amplified.
The 3-D version of PCR puts you right down in the eppendorf tube! No glasses required.
Polymerase chain reaction is a featured technique in several DNALC-developed laboratory protocols. The protocols are available online and for download on several sites: Lab Center includes laboratory pre-activity and follow-up materials including video introduction, background, educational correlations, further exploration, teacher guides, and resources; DNALC Kits has several online protocols developed in collaboration with Carolina Biological Supply Company; Genetics Origins explores use of DNA fingerprints as a starting point in the study of human evolution; and Greenomes explores plant genetics and genome research.
Laboratory Protocol: | Online Version(s) | PDF Version(s) |
Using Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphisms in Evolutionary and Forensic Biology | ![]() |
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Using an Alu Insertion Polymorphism to Study Human Populations or DNA Fingerprint: Alu |
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Using a SNP to Predict Bitter Tasting Ability | ![]() |
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Detecting Genetically Modified Foods by PCR | ![]() ![]() |
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Detecting a Jumping Gene in Arabidopsis |
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Detecting a Transposon Tag in Corn | ![]() |
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