PraxiLabs A virtual world of science
Last Updated on February 22, 2025 by Basem Ali
Polymerase chain reaction is a fundamental procedure used for DNA amplification in several fields such as molecular biology research, forensic science, diagnostics, and more!
In this blog post we will learn more about the online PCR simulation , its benefits, types of online PCR simulation at PraxiLabs, and the advantages of choosing PraxiLabs online simulations.
Table of Contents
What is Polymerase Chain Reaction
Polymerase chain reaction or PCR is a widespread biotechnological technique that is used for amplifying millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA segment repeatedly, in order to study it in more detail.
PCR involves using short synthetic DNA fragments called primers to select a segment of the genome to be amplified, and then multiple rounds of DNA synthesis to replicate that segment.
There are three basic steps in PCR amplification:
Template denaturation (separating double-stranded DNA).
Primer annealing to each original strand for new strand synthesis.
Extension of the new DNA strands from the primers.
Real-time PCR Vs Conventional PCR
Let’s compare Real-time PCR and Conventional PCR
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Real-time PCR |
Conventional PCR |
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| Advantages |
|
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| Procedure | In Real-time PCR procedure, amplicons (final products) are stained with fluorescent dye and measured at each cycle which allows the monitoring of the progress of the PCR reaction as it occurs; hence called Real- time PCR. | Conventional PCR does not monitor the amplification process in real time but instead detects the amplicons (final products) using gel electrophoresis only after the reaction is complete. |
| Detection and Quantification | In Real-time PCR product is measured at each cycle. | The detection and quantification of the amplified sequence occurs at the end of the reaction after the last PCR cycle. |
PraxiLabs Virtual Labs include a range of online science experiments in physics, chemistry and biology .. Try it now!
What is the Purpose of PCR Activities?
The purpose of PCR is the amplification of a specific segment of a nucleic acid. It has several applications such as:
Forensic scientists use PCR to connect blood, saliva, or tissue left at the scene of a crime to a suspect or victim.
Clinical geneticists use PCR to determine whether or not potential parents might carry a genetic disease that could be passed on to their children
Benefits of Online PCR Simulation
Cost Effective
In a real physical lab, the reagents and equipment are expensive. A virtual PCR simulation eliminates these requirements and makes it more suitable for educational institutions.
Safe and Controlled Environment
Online polymerase chain reaction simulation provides a safe, controlled, and risk-free environment, reducing the chances of contamination, lab accidents, and several other risks.
Time Effective
Conducting a PCR experiment using virtual labs saves a lot of time.
For example:
– In a real lab, the total duration required for a real time PCR experiment is about 2 hours. But, in virtual labs, it requires only eight minutes!
– For conventional PCR in a real lab, it takes about three hours, but in the virtual lab, it takes only about ten minutes!
Virtual lab Simulations also contribute to saving the time spent to preparing the equipment and materials required to conduct the experiments
Suitable for Teaching and Training
Educators can rely on PCR virtual simulation to demonstrate the principles and protocols to their students clearly, without the need for physical reagents, tools, and equipment.
Unlimited Time to Experiment
Students can repeat PCR simulation experiments many times and can even speed up the process when necessary. Additionally, students can perform the experiment anytime and anywhere at their own pace.
Request a Live Demo Now and Increase your Students’ Learning Retention and Engagement With PraxiLabs’ virtual labs!
Explore the Types of Online PCR Simulation at PraxiLabs
PraxiLabs provides two types of online PCR simulations:
Real-Time PCR Virtual Lab
Help your students gain hands-on experience with the principle, techniques, and procedures of Real Time PCR.
Learn more about the Procedure of real time PCR simulation inside praxiLabs virtual lab:
- Set up the reaction while wearing gloves at all times and label the lids of the Eppendorf tube.
- Prepare an amount of the Master Mix sufficient of six samples of the DNA by adding the specific reagents for the experiment into the master mix tube.
– 93 μl of deionized water (15.5*6).
– 150 μl of 2x SYBR Green (25*6).
– 30 μl of the 10X PCR buffer containing MgCl2 (5*6).
– 6 μl of the 10 Mm dNTPs (1*6). – 6 μl of the Forward primer(1*6).
– 6 μl of the Reverse primer (1*6).
– 3 μl of the Taq DNA polymerase (0.5*6).
- Add 49 μl of the Master Mix you just prepared to 1 μl of each DNA sample.
- Place the Eppendorf tubes in the Real-Time PCR device and set up the reaction as follows:
Initialization denaturation at 95 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes for one cycle.
Multiplication cycles, which is divided into three consecutive steps:
– Denaturation step: at 95 degrees Celsius for 30 seconds, 40 cycles.
– Annealing step: at 55 degrees Celsius for one minute, 40 cycles.
– Elongation step: at 72 degrees Celsius for one minute, 40 cycles.
Final elongation which is divided into three consecutive steps:
– 95 degree Celsius for one minute for one cycle.
– 55 degrees Celsius for 30 seconds for one cycle.
– 95 degrees Celsius for 30 seconds for one cycle.
- Run the device.
- After the end of the process check the results from the Mx 3000P software.
Conventional PCR Virtual Simulation
Teach your students the procedure and protocol of conventional PCR , let them practice the main laboratory techniques included in the experiments.
By the end of the experiment, they will understand the role of specific reagents and equipment in PCR, and learn more about the applications of PCR.
On PraxiLabs, you can find different virtual lab simulations accessible anytime and anywhere. Subscribe and Get Started Now!
Top FAQs about Online PCR Simulation
Are virtual PCR labs useful for educational purposes?
Yes, as they are cost effective, time effective , and very safe. Many studies have proven the effectiveness of using virtual labs.
Virtual Labs Improve students outcomes:
- 60% improvement in students performance
- 80% increase in students retention
What equipment is simulated in a real-time PCR virtual lab?
Several equipment, such as centrifuges, pipettes, vortex mixers, thermal cyclers, refrigerators, freezers, and analysis instruments.
Can I use a virtual PCR lab on my mobile device?
Yes, PraxiLabs provides a mobile app that enables users to conduct experiments on their mobile phone with the feature “Offline Mood- Download Experiment”.
How can I access the virtual PCR labs?
Choose a trusted platform that provides virtual labs simulate pcr such as PraxiLabs
All you need to start our virtual biology lab simulations is
- Create a Free Account
No hardware setup. No credit card required. Get started in seconds
- Choose from 200+ Simulations
Select three FREE Simulations and get started
- Practice as Many Times as You Want
Your lab partner will help you out, plus walkthrough videos, tutorials, & more
Create your free account now and gain hands-on experience with the principle and practice of conventional PCR and real time PCR!
