ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the scientific events leading up to one of the most significant practical advances that has driven the revolution in genetic engineering and biomedical diagnostics—the discovery of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The chapter highlights how Watson and Crick’s double helices were followed shortly thereafter by Arthur Kornberg’s discovery of the DNA polymerase enzyme that copies the DNA in the course of replication, and how a complete understanding of the process of DNA replication ultimately led to Kary Mullis’ practical development of the PCR technique that has become a staple of almost every modern biomedical research laboratory. Just as importantly, this chapter again demonstrates how a remarkable serendipitous basic research finding in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park—the discovery of a DNA polymerase (called Taq polymerase) from a thermophilic bacteria known as Thermus aquaticus that is extremely stable at high temperatures—led to the practical development of PCR. The use of PCR is not only central to the molecular biology revolution but also an essential part of every physician’s modern diagnostic toolkit.
