Title

Determining annealing temperatures for polymerase chain reaction

Authors

Angela R. Porta, Kean University
Edward Enners, Kean University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2012

Abstract

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common technique used in high school and undergraduate science teaching. Students often do not fully comprehend the underlying principles of the technique and how optimization of the protocol affects the outcome and analysis. In this molecular biology laboratory, students learn the steps of PCR with an emphasis on primer composition and annealing temperature, which they manipulate to test the effect on successful DNA amplification. Students design experiments to test their hypotheses promoting a discovery-based approach to laboratory teaching and development of criticalthinking and reasoning skills. © 2012 by National Association of Biology Teachers. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

American Biology Teacher

First Page Number

256

Last Page Number

260

DOI

10.1525/abt.2012.74.4.9

Recommended Citation

Porta, Angela R. and Enners, Edward, "Determining annealing temperatures for polymerase chain reaction" (2012). Kean Publications. 2177.
https://digitalcommons.kean.edu/keanpublications/2177