Question

In reference to PCR, how would you modify regular PCR techniques (used for human DNA) in order to identify dinosaur DNA in a fossil?

Answer 1

Question

The PCR is used to amplify the interested DNA from any specific specimen in molecular biology. This technique could also be used to amplify ancient DNA extracted from fossil DNA. THe PCR have three main steps are:

I. Denaturation

II. Amplification

III. Extension

The denatiration is the step where we denature the double helical strands. It will remain same both in present DNA and ancient DNA PCR cycle. The step that need to be modify is amplification step where in ancient DNA two consecuetive PCR amplification with 40 cycles are needed to get ample amount of DNA for sequencing. On the other hand, for normal DNA amplification, it is only 30 cycle. The modification in amplification step is required because ancient DNA contain high amount of denatured DNA and 30 cycle are not sufficient to get ample amount of DNA.