title: Polymerase chain reaction and its uses as a diagnostic tool for cardiovascular disease.
abstract: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR), initially developed approximately a decade ago by Kary Mullis, has revolutionized the basic science and clinical research study of human disease. The beauty and utility of this method derive from its simplicity and automation. PCR amplifies a single copy of DNA sequence into millions of identical copies in a matter of hours, allowing rapid detection of subtle differences in sequence, gene cloning, and mutation analysis, among other uses. In this review, the basic technique of PCR and its applications as a diagnostic tool for cardiovascular disease are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Jeffrey A. Towbin is Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Cardiology) and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Towbin