The polymerase chain reaction or PCR allows us to make many

The polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, allows us to make many copies of targeted regions of the genome for a number of different downstream applications In this project, you are PCR-amplifying your mitochondrial HVR1 region so that you can obtain the DNA sequence for that region The ultimate goal is to determine your haplotype or haplogroup based on that region, which will provide you with insight into your deep ancestry. Consider the class discussions you had on PCR this week. Use this information to answer the following questions: What are the primary components of a typical PCR reaction, and what does each of these components do? How can these components be adjusted to optimize, or troubleshoot, a reaction that may not be yielding positive results? What are the main steps of a thermal cycling profile, and how can these steps be adjusted to optimize, or troubleshoot, a reaction that may not be yielding positive results?

Solution

1. Primary components of a typical PCR reaction

2. Troubleshooting

3. Thermal Cycling Profile

Optimization