What are PCR Reagents

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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify specific regions of DNA. It involves making many copies of a specific DNA fragment using enzymes called polymerases. The process involves heating and cooling a mixture of DNA template, primers, a thermostable DNA polymerase (such as Taq polymerase), and the four deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) required for DNA synthesis. 

The basic reagents used in PCR are: 

  • Template DNA: This is the target DNA that you want to amplify. The template DNA can be from any source, including bacteria, viruses, plant or animal cells, or even forensic samples. 
  • Primers: These are short stretches of DNA that are complementary to the ends of the region of the template DNA that needs to be amplified. Primers typically range in length from 18 to 30 base pairs. 
  • Taq polymerase: This is a thermostable DNA polymerase that can withstand the high temperatures used in PCR. Taq polymerase is isolated from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus. 
  • dNTPs: dNTPs are the building blocks of DNA and include deoxyadenosine triphosphate (dATP), deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP), deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP), and deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP). 
  • Buffers: PCR requires a buffer that provides a suitable pH, salt concentration, and cofactors that are required for the activity of Taq polymerase. 
  • MgCl2: Magnesium chloride is also typically added to the reaction mix as a cofactor for Taq polymerase. 

There are also different types of PCR, including Real-time PCR, which include the use of fluorescent dyes (probe or primers) or TaqMan probe and a thermal cycler with a fluorescent detector. 

It’s important to always keep in mind that to get the best performance out of PCR reactions, it’s important to have high-quality reagents and use them under controlled conditions. We at Pipette.com ensure that we support your science with our products and help you to achieve best results 

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What are PCR Consumables?

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PCR consumables are supplies that are used during the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process. At Pipette.com, our signature brand of PCR consumables are from Oxford Lab Products and include items such as PCR Strip tubes, 96 Well Plates and tips. Other PCR consumables include  primers, enzymes, and reagents. They are used to amplify specific DNA or RNA sequences in a sample using the PCR process. The consumables are typically disposable and are used in one-time experiments or procedures. 

PCR consumables are used in a laboratory setting to amplify specific DNA or RNA sequences in a sample using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process. The specific steps involved in using PCR consumables may vary depending on the type of experiment being conducted and the specific consumables being used. However, some general steps that are involved include: 

  1. Setting up the PCR reaction: This typically involves preparing a mixture of the sample, primers, enzymes, and other reagents in a PCR tube or plate. 
  1. Amplifying the DNA or RNA: The mixture is then subjected to a series of temperature cycles using a thermal cycler during which the DNA or RNA is amplified through the action of the enzymes. 
  1. Analyzing the amplified product: Once the amplification is complete, the amplified DNA or RNA can be analyzed using a variety of techniques, such as gel electrophoresis or real-time PCR. 

Overall, the use of PCR consumables allows researchers to amplify specific DNA or RNA sequences rapidly and accurately in a sample, which can be used for a wide range of applications, including gene expression analysis, disease diagnosis, and genetic testing. 

Need to keep your assets compliant with lab management software or make sure your pipettes are fully calibrated with a calibration management solution

Saving Money with Lab Bundles at Pipette.com

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Between pipettes, tips and other pieces of laboratory equipment, getting the level of reliability and accuracy that you need from your experiments can be expensive. Although many decide to purchase these products individually on an as-needed basis, the best way to get the most out of your purchases is to invest in lab bundles. Our Pipette.com experts outline the benefits of these bundles, as well as examples of some the best bundles we offer below.

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Saving Money with Lab Bundles at Pipette.com

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No matter how well you perform your experiments, without a proper balance, your results are going to be skewed and all your hard work will go to waste. A proper lab balance is essential to ensure that your samples are weighed as accurately as possible and allow your technicians to rest easy without having to worry about skewed weight measurements. At Pipette.com, we offer numerous quality lab balances that are designed to get you the best results. Below, we explore three of these options: the Sartorius Quintix Balance, Benchmark Accuris Analytical Balance, and the Ohaus Adventurer Pro Analytical Balance.

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Reliable ELISA Equipment & Products

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In order to detect and quantify substances such as peptides, proteins, antibodies and hormones, many laboratories use an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, in order to get optimal results, you need to be sure to select the right equipment, including your pipette, plates, and washer. Our experts at Pipette.com outline some of the best ELISA equipment available below to ensure that you can get the results that you need for a very reasonable price.

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A Nichiryo Pipette Makes the Difference

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If you need durability, strength, comfort, and stability in your laboratory, Nichiryo Pipettes are guaranteed to impress. Founded in 1944, Nichiryo began as a manufacturer of measuring glassware and has since expanded immensely. For over 25 years they have been making quality Japan-made pipettes and our experts at Pipette.com examine three of their finest pipettes: Nichiryo Pipette EX II, Nichiryo Pipette Premium, and Nichiryo Pipette LT.

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Ergonomic Multichannel Pipettes to Reduce RSI

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Although you might look at the more technical features of pipettes when making your purchasing decisions, spending hours in the lab makes ergonomics a very important factor to consider. At Pipette.com, we offer numerous ergonomic multichannel pipettes to give you a comfortable experience that can really benefit the results of your experiments. Lightweight materials, ergonomic shape design, and low tip insertion forces allow for easy pipetting. Ergonomic multichannel pipettes are ideal for those looking for comfort on top of accuracy and precision.

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3 Reasons Your Multichannels Suck

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Sometimes, your  multichannels suck. It’s a truth scientist’s never want to admit, but despite denials and protest, the time has come. Your multichannel just plain sucks. Does your multichannel no longer provide reliable aspiration? Does the ejector fall off? Is it just too heavy to hold?  It can be tough to hear and even harder to accept. If you can’t quite believe it yet, below are 3 of the dreaded signs of an inferior multichannel.

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Three Surefire Ways To Save On Multichannel Pipettes

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Starting a new lab is a tough juggling act of finding reliable equipment without overspending. After spending money on the necessities, such as lab equipment and consumables, you may find your budget for pipettes lower than you’d like. Especially for labs intending for a heavy pipetting regime, this could be problematic when looking to purchase multichannel pipettes. Fortunately, there are methods to get an affordable and reliable multichannel pipette without breaking the bank.

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Is the Gilson Neo Multichannel a True Standard?

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Gilson brand pipettes are considered to be the industry standard of all things pipettes. Known for their durability and reliability, Gilson pipettes are certainly a classic. Gilson’s PIPETMAN Neo multichannel even made it into the top standard pipettes category in our 2016 Scientist’s Guide to Multichannel article. While the Neo pipette is considered to be a standard go to multichannel, even a quick glance at our article will show that there are multichannel’s with more inclusive designs. The Nichiryo Nichipet Ex II and the Labnet BioPette Plus have more desired features than the Gilson Neo multichannel. So why is the PIPETMAN Neo multichannel so popular?

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