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. PCR Technology: Current Innovations 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.
- Template preparation
- Reaction components
- Instruments
- Design, Optimisation, QC and Standardisation
- Data Analysis
- Applications
Dr. Tania Nolan gained a first class honours degree and was awarded the Excel1ence in Research Prize from undergraduate studies and then a PhD in genetics from Manchester University, UK. She took up an AstraZeneca Fellowship to study genetic regulation in breast cancer before moving to Stratagene to support the launch of their qPCR programme. Now working with Sigma, She is an internationally recognised molecular biologist with a reputation for expertise in the field of mRN A quantification using RTqPCR. She was a significant co-author of the specialist textbook The A - Z of Quantitative PCR (ed SA Bustin; lUL Press) along with numerous other book chapters and co-author of the "SPUD" and "3'/S'mRNA integrity" assays. Dr. Nolan is an enthusiastic teacher and regularly organises qPCR workshops throughout Europe. She has presented several plenary lectures and chaired sessions at major international qPCR meetings. She has an active publication record and regularly contributes to the scientific literature addressing aspects of quality control of qPCR and RT-qPCR experiments.
Praise for previous editions:
"This [...] second edition provides up-to-date information on PCR technology and applications and covers a selection of widely used procedures and approaches for qualitative as well as quantitative queries. It certainly offers easy to follow, step-by-step protocols and explains the parameters governing PCR reaction outcomes [...] [A] fundamental reference for scientists new to PCR technology and a source of up-to-date applications for those familiar with the method [...] I highly recommend this book as a useful tool for hospital scientists who may use PCR technology in their work; or for scientific researchers [...] "
– Australian Journal of Medical Science, Nov. 2004, Vol. 25, No.4