polymerase chain reaction
noun
: an in vitro technique for rapidly synthesizing large quantities of a given DNA segment that involves separating the DNA into its two complementary strands, using DNA polymerase to synthesize two-stranded DNA from each single strand, and repeating the process
—abbreviation PCR
Examples of polymerase chain reaction in a Sentence
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The genetic sequencers, polymerase chain reaction machines, and mass spectrometers that can detect a broad range of pathogens — 40 bacteria and 15 viruses — must be validated before they can be used with samples collected from patients.
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Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025
In last week’s announcement, World Boxing said all athletes over the age of 18 will have to undertake a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test, which can be conducted by a nasal or mouth swab, saliva or blood.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Conventional diagnostic tools – blood tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses can take days to weeks.
—New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
So far, 96 of those samples were negative by polymerase chain reaction testing, or PCR, which detects live virus as well as inactive viral particles, indicating that those cheeses probably weren’t made with contaminated milk.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
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Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025
In last week’s announcement, World Boxing said all athletes over the age of 18 will have to undertake a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test, which can be conducted by a nasal or mouth swab, saliva or blood.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Conventional diagnostic tools – blood tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses can take days to weeks.
—New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
So far, 96 of those samples were negative by polymerase chain reaction testing, or PCR, which detects live virus as well as inactive viral particles, indicating that those cheeses probably weren’t made with contaminated milk.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polymerase chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Polymerase chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerase%20chain%20reaction. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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