INTRODUCTION TO POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR)

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This session is designed for:

·       Anyone new to PCR

·       Laboratory technologists and technicians

·       Microbiologists and biologists

·       Students and early-career scientists

·       Researchers beginning work in molecular biology

·       Laboratory personnel who want a basic understanding of PCR

 

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

By the end of the session, participants will understand:

1.     What PCR is and why it is used.

2.     The basic principle behind DNA amplification.

3.     The three main stages of a PCR cycle.

4.     The key components required for a PCR reaction.

5.     The basic PCR workflow from DNA template to amplified product.

6.     The role of primers and DNA polymerase in PCR.

7.     The basic function of a PCR thermal cycler.

8.     How PCR results are generally detected and interpreted.

9.     Common applications of PCR in laboratory and research settings.

10.  The difference between conventional PCR and other commonly used PCR-based techniques.

TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS

      i.         What is PCR?

The session begins with a simple introduction to Polymerase Chain Reaction and the problem PCR was developed to solve: how to make many copies of a specific DNA sequence from a small starting amount of DNA.

Topics include:

·       Definition of PCR

·       Why DNA amplification is important

·       Basic PCR concept

·       Applications of PCR in molecular biology

     ii.         How does PCR work?

Participants are introduced to the basic PCR cycle and how repeated cycles result in amplification of the target DNA.

The three fundamental stages are covered:

·       Denaturation

·       Annealing

·       Extension

The role of temperature changes and repeated cycling will be explained using simple examples.

 

   iii.         What is needed for a PCR reaction?

Participants will be introduced to the main components of a PCR reaction:

·       Template DNA

·       Forward and reverse primers

·       DNA polymerase

·       dNTPs

·       PCR buffer

·       Magnesium ions

·       Water

The focus will be on understanding the role of each component, rather than detailed reaction optimization.

 

   iv.         The PCR Thermal Cycler

A brief introduction to the PCR machine and how it controls the temperature required for amplification.

Topics include:

·       What a thermal cycler does

·       Basic PCR programme

·       Temperature and cycling stages

·       How the instrument supports DNA amplification

 

     v.         Understanding PCR results

Participants will be introduced to the basic concept of detecting PCR products.

Topics include:

·       What a PCR product is

·       Basic introduction to agarose gel electrophoresis

·       Understanding DNA bands

·       Expected versus unexpected results

 

   vi.         Applications of PCR

The session concludes by looking at how PCR is used in different fields, including:

·       Molecular biology research

·       Medical and diagnostic laboratories

·       Microbiology

·       Food testing

·       Environmental testing

·       Biotechnology

·       Forensic science

A brief introduction will also be given to qPCR/Real-Time PCR and other PCR-based approaches.

 

ONLINE INTERACTIVE SESSION

The two-hour online training will combine:

·       Short instructor-led presentations

·       Simple visual explanations of the PCR process

·       Examples of PCR workflows and results

·       Interactive questions and discussion

·       Short Q&A sessions throughout the training

 

COURSE TAKEAWAYS

Participants will leave with a clear basic understanding of PCR what it is, how it works, what is required to perform it, and how the resulting products are detected and used.

The session is intended as a foundation for beginners and can serve as a starting point for participants who wish to progress to more detailed PCR, qPCR or molecular biology training.

 

WHY JOIN?

·       Build a clear understanding of the basic principles of PCR.

·       Learn how PCR works and where it is applied.

·       Understand the main steps involved in a PCR workflow.

·       Gain confidence in understanding PCR results.

·       Learn about common PCR challenges and basic troubleshooting.

·       Interact with experienced trainers and other laboratory professionals.