Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What tubes are used for PCR?
PCR tubes used for PCR applications include the Thermo Scientific 0.2 mL Strip Tubes. These tubes are designed for compatibility with 0.2 mL thermal cycler blocks and are sold without caps, but multiple cap options are available.
2. What is special about PCR tubes?
PCR tubes have ultra-thin walls for efficient thermal transfer and maximum yield. They also feature robust flex-free strips and flat and domed optically clear caps. These design features make PCR tubes ideal for real-time PCR (qPCR) applications.
3. Why is a PCR tube required for PCR?
PCR tubes are required for PCR because they have extra-thin walls that ensure optimal temperature transfer and prevent evaporation. This ensures meaningful and accurate results even with small sample volumes.
4. Why do PCR tubes have thin walls?
PCR tubes have thin walls to allow precise and consistent thermal transfer in various thermocyclers. The ultra-thin walls help maintain the desired temperature conditions during PCR reactions.
5. What lab equipment is used for PCR?
PCR is carried out using a thermal cycler, also known as a PCR machine or thermocycler. This laboratory instrument is responsible for heating and cooling the PCR tubes or plates in repetitive cycles to facilitate DNA or RNA amplification.
6. What instruments are used in PCR lab?
PCR lab typically uses an automated thermocycler for PCR cycling reactions. This instrument can rapidly heat and cool the reaction tubes in a short span of time. Different types of PCR, such as Nested PCR or Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), may require specific thermocyclers.
7. Are PCR plates better than tubes?
The choice between PCR plates and tubes depends on the experimental throughput. For low- to medium-throughput applications, tubes are generally more suitable. However, for medium- to high-throughput experiments, plates are more ideal.
8. What size are PCR tubes?
PCR tubes are available in different sizes, including 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL variants. These tubes can come with either dome or flat caps for different application requirements.
9. How large are PCR tubes?
PCR tubes are offered in two sizes, 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL. These tubes can have either dome or flat caps, providing options to suit different experimental needs.