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The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1993

Polymerase Chain Reaction
The PCR method – a copying machine for DNA molecules

DNA molecules can be mass-produced from incredibly small amounts of material with PCR. Kary Mullis' discovery allows the chemist to mimic the cell's own natural DNA replication process in a test tube. It has now become much easier to characterise and compare the genetic material from different individuals and organisms.

 

    

Introduction »
Site-directed mutagenesis reprograms DNA »
Tailor-made proteins »
The PCR method – a copying machine for DNA molecules »
The PCR method already of great use »
DNA and the genetic code »
Landmarks in the history of gene technology »
Further reading »

The 1993 Prize in: