Amplify

How it is used

One of the most frequent verbs in methods sections. You amplify a region, fragment or exon 'using' or 'with' specific primers. The noun is 'amplification' and the product is an 'amplicon'. In cancer genetics, 'gene amplification' means extra copies of a gene in a tumor, such as HER2.

Example sentences

1. Exon 5 was amplified with the primers listed in Table 1.

2. The region didn't amplify, so I'll redesign the primers.

Common collocations

• amplify a fragment
• amplify by PCR
• amplification product
• fail to amplify
• gene amplification

Related terms

• PCRPolymerase chain reaction: a lab method that makes millions of copies of a chosen DNA region by repeating cycles of heating and cooling with primers and a DNA polymerase.
• primerA short, single-stranded piece of DNA, usually 18 to 25 bases long, that binds to a matching sequence and gives DNA polymerase a starting point for copying.
• gel electrophoresisA method that separates DNA, RNA or protein fragments by size by pulling them through a gel with an electric current; smaller fragments move faster.
• qPCRQuantitative PCR, also called real-time PCR: a type of PCR that measures the amount of DNA as it is copied, using a fluorescent signal, to show how much target was in the sample.

More terms: PCR and Laboratory Methods

• DNA extraction
• cell line
• negative control
• pipette
• spin down
• western blot