Gene Expression Analysis: PCR instruments can detect gene expression differences in different cell types, tissues, and organisms at specific time points. By isolating RNA from target samples and reverse – transcribing it into cDNA, followed by PCR amplification, the initial levels of mRNA can be determined, which helps to study gene expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms.
Genotyping: They are used to detect sequence differences of alleles in specific cells or organisms. For example, genotyping of transgenic organisms and research on single – nucleotide variations (SNVs) and single – nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Molecular Cloning: PCR is an important technique for cloning target DNA fragments. The target regions of DNA can be amplified and inserted into specially designed compatible vectors, facilitating subsequent studies on gene functions and genetic engineering operations.
Mutation Studies: In site – directed mutagenesis, designed PCR primers can integrate base substitutions, deletions, or insertions into specific sequences to study the effects of gene mutations on gene functions.
DNA Sequencing: PCR is a relatively simple method for enriching template DNA for sequencing. In Sanger sequencing, PCR – amplified fragments are purified and used for sequencing reactions; in next – generation sequencing (NGS), PCR is widely used for constructing DNA sequencing libraries.
Medical Diagnosis
Detection of Infectious Diseases: PCR instruments can detect various pathogens, such as bacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis), viruses (e.g., HIV, HPV, HBV, etc.), fungi, etc., helping to diagnose infectious diseases, determine the types and infection levels of pathogens, and provide a basis for disease treatment.
Detection of Genetic Diseases and Gene Mutations: They are used to detect gene mutations related to hereditary diseases, such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, etc., contributing to early diagnosis of diseases and genetic counseling.
Tumor Detection and Molecular Diagnosis: PCR can detect specific gene mutations and abnormal gene expressions in tumor cells, providing important information for tumor diagnosis, classification, prognosis evaluation, and targeted therapy.
Drug Metabolism and Drug Sensitivity Testing: They study the effects of individual genetic differences on drug metabolism and drug sensitivity, helping doctors to develop personalized treatment plans, improving treatment efficacy, and reducing adverse drug reactions.
Forensic Science
Paternity Testing: By amplifying and analyzing specific short tandem repeat (STR) sequences in human DNA, paternity relationships can be determined with high accuracy and reliability.
Individual Identification: In crime – scene investigations, DNA is extracted from biological samples left at the scene (such as blood, hair, saliva, etc.), amplified and analyzed using PCR technology, and compared with the DNA of suspects, providing important clues for solving cases.
Estimation of Time of Death: By detecting changes in the expression of specific genes or the degree of DNA degradation in cadaver tissues, it can assist in estimating the time of death, although applications in this area are still in the research stage.
Agricultural Science
Detection of Food Pathogens: PCR instruments are used to detect pathogens in food, such as food – borne pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, etc.) and viruses (e.g., norovirus, etc.), ensuring food safety.
Genotyping of Breeding Plants: They help to screen plant varieties with excellent traits, accelerate the breeding process, and improve breeding efficiency.
Detection of Genetically Modified Crops: They are used to detect whether crops contain genetically modified components, which is of great significance for the supervision and safety assessment of genetically modified crops.
Environmental Science
Detection of Environmental Microorganisms: PCR instruments are used to detect microorganisms in the environment, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. in soil, water, air, etc., to understand the types, distributions, and quantities of environmental microorganisms and evaluate environmental quality and the health status of ecosystems.
Pollution Monitoring and Bioremediation: They are used to detect the effects of environmental pollutants on organisms and the degradation and remediation capabilities of organisms for pollutants, providing a scientific basis for environmental pollution control and bioremediation.
Before Sampling Personnel Training Sampling personnel must receive professional training and be familiar with the sampling process and operating procedures. They should understand the samplin...
Respiratory diseases: Upper respiratory tract infections: Viral infections such as the common cold and influenza: Sampling sites: The nasopharynx and oropharynx are commonly used. When collect...
Detection of respiratory diseases: Diagnosis of viral infections: For example, during the COVID - 19 pandemic, throat swabs and nasal swabs were widely used to collect samples from the nasophary...
Classified by sampling site: Throat swabs: Mainly used for collecting samples from the throat, including nasopharyngeal swabs and oropharyngeal swabs. Nasopharyngeal swabs involve inserting the ...
HUACHENGYANG