The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, used to amplify or “copy” small segments of DNA, is highly sensitive - and that’s a good thing. PCR is a widely used and inexpensive technique used in medical diagnostics, forensic analysis of DNA, and genomic research. Unfortunately, this sensitivity leaves PCR vulnerable to nucleic acid contamination: even trace amounts of DNA can be...

Introduction to RNase Ribonucleases (RNases) are a large group of hydrolytic enzymes that degrade ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. These are nucleases that catalyze the breakdown of RNA into smaller components. They are a superfamily of enzymes which catalyze the degradation of RNA, operating at the levels of transcription and translation. 3D conformation of ribonuclease A enzyme These enzymes are present...