polymerase chain reaction

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Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

Learn how DNA thermal cycler employs polymerase chain reaction to copy DNA strands

polymerase chain reaction

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What’s the Difference Between a Gene and an Allele?

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10 Ways of Looking at Cells

DNA helix in a futuristic concept of the evolution of science and medicine.

6 Questions About DNA Answered

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6 Cell Organelles

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10 Great Sports Rivalries

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7 Puzzling Plane Disappearances

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polymerase chain reaction: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025

News •

Delhi: Bodies of two men found inside locked tourist bus, car • June 10, 2025, 1:28 AM ET (The Indian Express)

Delhi CM’s security stepped up after death threat call via PCR in Ghaziabad • June 7, 2025, 2:51 AM ET (The Indian Express)

IIT-Delhi PhD student found dead in hostel room • June 4, 2025, 11:14 PM ET (The Indian Express)

2 die, 3 injured in West Delhi as car hits cyclist, rams into hut • May 28, 2025, 8:14 PM ET (The Indian Express)

Facts

Also Known As	PCR • DNA amplification

Photos and Videos

polymerase chain reaction

Learn how DNA thermal cycler employs polymerase chain reaction to copy DNA strands

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Topics

preimplantation genetic diagnosis DNA fingerprinting DNA genetics genetic testing human genetics eugenics genetic epidemiology genomics epigenomics behaviour genetics epigenetics cytogenetics complementation test one gene–one enzyme hypothesis

Key People

Kary B. Mullis

Kary Mullis

American chemist

Quiz

Illustrated strands of DNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid, biology.

Genetics Quiz

DNA helix in a futuristic concept of the evolution of science and medicine.

Branches of Genetics

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Biology Bonanza