Anchored Polymerase Chain Reaction, pronounced /ˈæŋkərd pəˈlɪməreɪs ˈtʃeɪn riˈækʃən/, is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. The word "anchored" is pronounced with primary stress on the first syllable, followed by secondary stress on the third syllable, and the "o" vowel sound is reduced to a schwa sound. "Polymerase" is pronounced with primary stress on the third syllable and the "y" is pronounced as a long "i" sound. "Chain" is pronounced with primary stress on the first syllable, followed by secondary stress on the third syllable. "Reaction" is pronounced with primary stress on the second syllable.
Anchored Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify and identify specific DNA sequences. It involves the use of a specific primer that is anchored or attached to the 3' end of the target DNA sequence, allowing amplification of the unknown sequence adjacent to the known region.
In Anchored PCR, a single-stranded DNA template is mixed with the anchored primer, containing a known or specific sequence, and other necessary PCR components such as DNA polymerase, nucleotides, and buffer. The primer is designed to anneal to the unknown sequence adjacent to the known region, serving as a starting point for DNA amplification.
The PCR reaction goes through cycling steps, including denaturation, annealing, and extension, promoting the exponential replication of the target sequence. The anchored primer specifically pairs with the unknown DNA sequence, allowing amplification of the DNA region of interest.
This technique has several applications in molecular biology, including gene cloning, DNA sequencing, and identification of unknown sequences. It can be particularly useful when the unknown sequence is adjacent to a known region or if the unknown sequence is logistically difficult to amplify using traditional PCR techniques.
Overall, Anchored PCR is a powerful tool that enables the selective amplification and identification of DNA sequences adjacent to known regions, facilitating various molecular biology applications.