Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
PCR is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. It involves repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension, allowing for exponential replication of the target DNA. Each cycle doubles the amount of DNA, making it a powerful tool for genetic analysis and research.
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Introduction to Polymerase Chain Reaction
Exponential Growth in PCR
In PCR, the amount of DNA increases exponentially with each cycle. Starting with one copy, after n cycles, the number of copies can be calculated using the formula 2^n. Therefore, after 15 cycles, the theoretical maximum would be 2^15, which equals 32,768 copies, illustrating the rapid amplification capability of PCR.
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Limitations of PCR
While PCR can theoretically produce millions of copies, practical limitations exist, such as enzyme efficiency, reaction conditions, and the presence of inhibitors. These factors can affect the actual yield of DNA, but under optimal conditions, PCR can still generate millions of copies from a single template.
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