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PCR Advantages
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PCR is not typically thought of as a large-scale DNA production method. However, PCR is an industry standard process which is well documented and understood. Key advantages include the following:
- PCR is a cell-free method of DNA replication, and requires no cleanup of unwanted cellular debris or vector DNA.
- PCR has been shown to efficiently amplify targets up to 35kb in length.
- PCR is a specific process that targets only the desired DNA to be copied.
- PCR can be end-labeled with a variety of modifications.
- PCR is a high fidelity process, with error rates between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 100,000. It is far superior to synthesis for long DNA sequences. The use of other novel thermostable enzymes can improve PCR’s fidelity.
- March 28, 2005 marked the expiration of the foundational PCR patents in the U.S.A. and equivalent ex-U.S.A. foundational PCR patents expired on March 28, 2006. The expiration of these key patents allows PCR to be used for many applications without licensing fees.
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