Although the principle of Polymerase Chain Reaction is strikingly simple it revolutionised molecular biology (PCR). For the first time it was possible to amplify DNA and get sufficient amounts for all further applications.
Since the first PCR with changing water baths instruments have developed fast, and nowadays small peltier element controlled units are affordable for every lab.
Coupled with optical modules so called real time PCRs are now even capable to monitor the reaction detecting differently fluorescent labelled primers and probes (Primers and probes). With this option a whole range of applications is possible ranging from qualitative realtime PCR as well as gene expression analysis, comparing the expression rate of stable house keeping genes to unknown genes under study, to the precise quantification of amplified target gene regions.
For more information see: Biorad Product Page
