Lecture, chapter 13 - Cloning and recombinant DNAincluding the PCR song

Today we discussed how to use the process of cloning for building genomic library (a collection of clones containing the entire genome of an organism).  We mentioned how to find a gene, or any other sequence of interest by using labeled probes and the process to visualize the results.

Then we did an overview of the process of cloning in vitro: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR).  We mentioned the steps and some of the key ingredients, explaining why under many circumstances doing PCR is much more efficient and cheaper than cloning.

I am including a video of the PCR song, which has helped many of my molecular biology students remember the main features of the reaction.  The PCR song highlights:

• Who invented PCR
• The main reagents of PCR
• The steps of the thermal cycle
• Some important applications of PCR

Some students have even used the song as a ringtone... (Warning: Cheesy!)

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