A molecular biology technique used to amplify and replicate a specific segment of DNA, allowing for the detection and analysis of genetic material.

PCR Test:

A diagnostic test based on the Polymerase Chain Reaction method, widely used to identify and analyze genetic material, particularly for detecting the presence of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens.

Nucleic Acid:

Biological molecules, such as DNA or RNA, that carry genetic information and serve as the target for amplification in a PCR test.

Target Sequence:

The specific region of DNA or RNA that the PCR test is designed to amplify and analyze, providing information about the presence or absence of a particular genetic material.

Primers:

Short DNA sequences that serve as starting points for DNA synthesis during the PCR process, defining the boundaries of the target sequence.

Thermal Cycler:

Laboratory equipment that controls temperature variations during the PCR process, facilitating the denaturation, annealing, and extension steps required for DNA amplification.

Denaturation:

The first step in the PCR cycle, involving the separation of DNA strands by heating, allowing the target sequence to be exposed and available for amplification.

Annealing:

The second step in the PCR cycle, where the temperature is lowered to allow the primers to bind to complementary sequences on the target DNA, initiating the amplification process.

Extension:

The third step in the PCR cycle, involving DNA synthesis at an optimal temperature, where a DNA polymerase enzyme adds nucleotides to the primers, creating copies of the target sequence.

DNA Polymerase:

Enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during the PCR process, using the original DNA strand as a template.