PCR amplification instrument

PCR amplifier, also known as PCR gene amplifier, PCR nucleic acid amplifier or polymerase chain reaction nucleic acid amplifier, is a method that uses PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction, polymerase chain reaction) technology to amplify specific DNA. Additional equipment. This technology has been widely used in medical and biological laboratories, including mapping to determine whether a certain genetic disease will be present in a specimen, diagnosis of infectious diseases, gene duplication, and paternity testing.

1. Working principle of PCR amplification instrument

The working principle of the PCR amplifier is based on PCR technology, which amplifies specific DNA fragments millions of times in a short time in vitro through the three basic steps of cyclic denaturation-annealing-extension. Specifically:

1. Denaturation: At high temperature (usually 95°C), the DNA double strands open into single strands.

2. Annealing: The temperature drops to a suitable range (such as 55°C), and the primer binds to the complementary sequence of single-stranded DNA.

3. Extension: Under the action of DNA polymerase (such as Taq enzyme), dNTPs (dATP, dTTP, dCTP, dGTP) are used as reaction raw materials, and a new template DNA strand is synthesized according to the principles of base pairing and semi-conservative replication. Complementary semi-conserved replicated strands.

These three steps are repeated, and each cycle doubles the copy number of the specific DNA region. After multiple cycles, the gene can theoretically be amplified millions of times.

2. Classification of PCR Amplifiers

According to different functions and uses, PCR amplification machines can be divided into many types, such as ordinary PCR machines, gradient PCR machines, in situ PCR machines and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR machines.

1. Ordinary PCR instrument: It can only run PCR amplification at a specific annealing temperature at a time, and is mainly used for simple amplification of the annealing temperature of the target gene.

2. Gradient PCR instrument: A series of different annealing temperature conditions can be set to study the amplification of unknown DNA annealing temperatures, which can save costs and time.

3. In-situ PCR instrument: used to analyze the location of target DNA in cells, maintain the integrity of cells or tissues, and perform gene amplification at the location of target DNA in cells.

4. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR instrument: quantitatively detects PCR products by monitoring changes in fluorescence signals in real time, with higher sensitivity and accuracy.

3. Characteristics of PCR Amplifier

1. Precise temperature control: A heating block or heating core is used inside the PCR amplifier to keep the temperature constant, and a temperature sensor is used for accurate temperature measurement to ensure that the PCR reaction is carried out under optimal temperature conditions.

2. Automation and programming: Different reaction programs can be set to realize multiple PCR reactions at the same time and improve experimental efficiency.

3. Multi-channel detection: Some advanced PCR amplifiers are also equipped with multi-channel detection functions, which can monitor the reaction process in real time and obtain quantitative results to facilitate data analysis.

4. Application fields of PCR amplifier

PCR amplifiers are widely used in medicine, biology, food industry, forensic science, biotechnology, environmental science, microbiology, clinical diagnosis, epidemiology, genetics, gene chips, gene detection, gene cloning, gene expression, etc. field. It helps scientific researchers detect and analyze specific DNA fragments quickly and accurately, which is of great significance for disease diagnosis, genetic research, and drug development.

5. Things to note

When using a PCR amplification machine, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Equipment disinfection and cleaning: avoid sample contamination and ensure the accuracy of experimental results.

2. Follow the operating steps: Do not change parameters or operating procedures at will, so as not to affect the experimental results.

3. Pay attention to the safety of power supply and electrodes: avoid electric shock accidents.

4. Clean and maintain after the operation is completed to ensure the normal use and life of the equipment.

The PCR amplifier is an important molecular biology experimental equipment. Its working principle is based on PCR technology. It has the characteristics of precise temperature control, automation and programming, and multi-channel detection. It is widely used in many fields. Relevant matters need to be paid attention to during use to ensure the accuracy of experimental results and the safety of the equipment.