PCR Guru

PCR Guru: An Ultimate Benchtop Reference for Molecular Biologists is provides researchers in molecular biology with a handy reference for approaching and solving challenging problems associated with PCR setup and optimization. As a laboratory guide, it emphasizes the technical aspects of employing PCR as a tool in molecular biology laboratories. The book covers the history of PCR and the basic science underlying it. It then discusses PCR at the bench level, starting with detailed description and tips on primer design, and continuing with the standard protocols used to perform PCR.

• Provides troubleshooting tips for various types of modifications of standard protocols
• Contains unique “Good Practices and Tips” that are indispensable for the beginner and expert alike
• Features “Special Cases” with applications of PCR, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Includes detailed appendices with tables, figures, and key protocols
• Organized as a systematic, concentrated resource to save time when addressing a PCR problem

Researchers and students in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and cancer biology

• Dedications
• Biography
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Note to the Reader
• Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Abstract
  • 1.1. A bit of history
  • 1.2. What is PCR?
  • 1.3. PCR components
  • 1.4. Exponential nature of PCR
  • 1.5. Popularity of PCR
• Chapter 2: Procedure
  • Abstract
  • 2.1. Primer design
  • 2.2. Standard PCR setup
  • 2.3. Controls
  • 2.4. Cycling parameters
• Chapter 3: Good PCR Practices
  • Abstract
• Chapter 4: Optimization and Troubleshooting
  • Abstract
  • 4.1. Optimization rules
  • 4.2. General optimization strategies
  • 4.3. Troubleshooting specific problems
• Chapter 5: Tips and Tricks
  • Abstract
• Chapter 6: Special Cases
  • Abstract
• Glossary and Abbreviations
• Appendix A: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Protocol
• Appendix B: Silver Staining of DNA Gels
• Appendix C: Plasmid Miniprep Protocol (by using “QIAprep Spin Miniprep” Kit)
• Appendix D: Restriction Enzyme Digestion Protocol
• Appendix E: Protocol for DNA Concentration Estimation Using Hoechst 33258
• Appendix F: Formulas
• Appendix G: Common Primers for Sequencing, Promoters, Housekeeping Genes, and Reporters
• Appendix H: Tags
• Appendix I: Thermostable DNA polymerases
• Appendix J: Example of a Daily PCR Log
• Appendix K: Common Buffers and Solutions
• Appendix L: Useful Numbers
• Appendix M: Yeast Colony PCR
• Useful Websites
• References
• Index