Reviews of Science for Science Librarians: PCR: The Discovery that Powered the Genomic Revolution in Modern Science

Abstract

The polymerase chain reaction is a revolutionary laboratory technique that allows scientists to exponentially replicate DNA samples for testing. This article provides a basic overview of the process, its history, and how it has changed genomic research. A review of the literature demonstrates the influence of this technique and its breadth of application across the life sciences. Several education resources are highlighted to inform how the polymerase chain reaction is applied in undergraduate research.

KEYWORDS:

• polymerase chain reaction
• PCR
• genomics
• science education
• science librarianship
• laboratory techniques