(72)
Angive hvad PCR kan bruges til indenfor retsmedicin og grundforskning
Stryer, s.151
Devlin, s.282, cc. 7.1
 

PCR is a powerful technique in medical diagnostics, forensics and molecular evolution 

Medical diagnostics:

• Detections of bacteria and viruses with the use of specific primers - HIV, mycobacterium tuberculosis. HIV DNA sequences can be isolated from leucocytes long before the symptoms appear.  

• Early detection of certain cancers – can identify mutations of certain growth-control genes.

• Monitoring chemotherapy – if cancer cells are eliminated and treatment can be stopped; detecting a relapse and continuing treatment

Forensics:

An individual DNA profile is highly distinctive because many genetic loci are highly variable within a population. PCR amplification of multiple genes is used to establish biological parentage in disputed paternity. Analyses of blood stains and semen samples by PCR have implicated guilt or innocence in numerous assault and rape cases. (the frequency of coincidental match of the DNA pattern on the clothing and the victim is app. 1n 33 billion!!!)

Molecular evolution:

DNA is remarkably stable molecule, particularly when relatively shielded from air, light and water. Under such circumstances, large fragments of DNA can remain intact for thousands of years and longer.
PCR can be used for amplifying such ancient DNA.  

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