How does PCR work?

In this activity, students are asked to view a video and conduct their own research in order to develop an understanding of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process and why it is important.

DNA molecule

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Diagram of a DNA molecule looking like a twisted ladder.

Rights: 123RF Limited, Pedro Nogueira

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• describe the steps involved in the PCR process

• explain the purpose of the PCR process

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

• introduction/background notes

• what you need

• what to do

• student handout.