Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Today in lab, I was given the task to optimize the concentration of MgCl2 used in the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) we are using to identify various bacteria in a waste water treatment system and various food processes. My results showed that the reaction is independent of the concentration of MgCl2, and my boss was pleased with the results. The one aspect from the gel that needs further investigation is the streaking of the third DNA sample, which probably means that the DNA was excessively fragmented.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique for enzymatically replicating DNA without using a living organism, such as E. coli or yeast. Like amplification using living organisms, the technique allows a small amount of the DNA molecule to be amplified exponentially. However, because it is an in vitro technique, it can be performed without restrictions on the form of DNA and it can be extensively modified to perform a wide array of genetic manipulations. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCR)