What is the basic principle of PCR?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a quick and easy method used to amplify DNA sequences in vitro, which is based on the nucleic acid enzymatic replication principle.

The nucleic acid enzymatic replication principle consists of a four step process that entails:

• DNA denaturation
• Primer annealing to target sequence
• Target sequence extension
• End of the cycle, after which the cycle is repeated to amplify DNA to reach the target number of DNA replicates