An introduction to PCR techniques.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method for the enzymatic amplification of DNA and has revolutionised our approach to both diagnostics and research, permitting the amplification of small amounts of genetic material, either derived from genomic (chromosomal DNA) or RNA via reverse transcription to cDNA. This chapter gives a primer of methods for the preparation of materials for PCR and some advice on the requirements for the PCR itself.