Advantages of PCR

PCR quickly became the method of choice for many types of DNA analysis because of several advantages over other DNA detection methods. The first; it is a simple procedure to set up and run. Fewer steps save time in getting a DNA analysis result. The second is sensitivity; a very small amount of template DNA in the sample can be detected. Even just a few skin cells from one human hair contain enough DNA, making PCR useful in forensics. The third is that it can be designed to accurately differentiate genetic samples that are different by as little as single nucleotide in the targeted sequence. Finally, in applications where large numbers of samples need to be subjected to the same PCR analysis, automation and robotic assistance allow the processing of many samples in a short time. For example, an automated PCR would be critical for testing large numbers of people in hours during a pandemic. See Lesson: Real Time PCR - Some Basic Principles.