Question

Pathogen of which disease is best detected by PCR?

Answer 1

PCR means polymerase chain reaction. It is used to make millions to billions of copies of specific DNA. A very small sample of DNA can be amplified to a large amount to study.

Complete answer:
PCR is a technique which was first developed in the 1980s.It helps in making many copies of small sections of DNA.Five ingredients are required to set up a PCR that are DNA template, primers, DNA nucleotide bases, Taq polymerase enzyme and buffer which ensures the right conditions for the reaction.
The process involved in PCR is called thermal cycling which includes heating and cooling.There are 3 main stages of PCR.
Three main stages of PCR

Denaturing means separation of DNA into two single strands.
Annealing means DNA primers are attached to template DNA.
Extending means a new strand of DNA is made by Taq polymerase enzyme.
The three stages are repeated 20-40 times.

The polymerase chain reaction test is used to detect the HIVs genetic material called RNA. This test is done in days or weeks after the exposure to the virus. so the pathogen of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) Which causes AIDS is best detected by PCR.

Note: PCR reaction can be performed in a few hours or even less than hours with the help of certain high speed machines. After the completion of the PCR, electrophoresis is done to check the quantity and size of DNA fragments produced. PCR is used for DNA sequencing, diagnosis of genetic disorders