PCR Technology Current Innovations

A technique used to amplify the number of copies of a specific region of DNA, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is at the forefront of the dramatic development of biochemistry. A bestseller in its first edition, this second edition provides the tools for developing innovative approaches to using this leading technology. It includes theoretical considerations, discussions, and a selection of state-of-the-art techniques for mutation studies, clinical diagnosis, and the detection of food-borne pathogens. This edition also discusses the preparation of PCR experiments, includes examples of analytical PCR divided into qualitative and quantitative applications, and explores preparative methods that address DNA generation for further analysis and in vitro evolution.

Dr. Tania Nolan is an internationally recognized molecular biologist with a reputation for expertise in the field of mRNA quantification using RT-qPCR. She was a significant coauthor of the specialist textbook The A–Z of Quantitative PCR along with numerous other book chapters and peer-reviewed papers. She has presented several plenary lectures and chaired sessions at major international qPCR meetings.

Stephen A. Bustin, BS(Mod) PhD FSB acquired his first qPCR instrument in 1997 and has published numerous peer-reviewed papers that describe and use this technology. He wrote and edited the A–Z of Quantitative PCR, universally acknowledged as the "qPCR Bible," edited The PCR Revolution, and has written a series of Definitive qPCR ebooks. He also led the international consortium that drew up the MIQE guidelines.