Final answer:
Modern PCR markers include Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) for DNA profiling, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs) for identifying specific genetic mutations, and PCR amplification for pathogen detection and predisposition to diseases in diagnostics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of Modern PCR Markers
Modern PCR markers have various applications ranging from forensic science to diagnostics in health care. Through the amplification of specific DNA sequences, PCR markers can help in gene mapping, DNA profiling, and the diagnosis of genetic diseases.
One of the straightforward examples is the use of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), which are highly polymorphic DNA sequences, used in DNA profiling to distinguish between individuals in forensic cases or paternity testing. Similarly, for medical diagnostics, PCR combined with Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) can identify specific mutations, such as the one causing sickle cell anemia by noting the absence of certain restriction enzyme cleavage sites.
Another key diagnostic tool involves the use of PCR to detect pathogens swiftly, assisting in the identification of bacterial or viral infections effectively. PCR is also employed in gene mapping to determine predisposition to diseases, including breast cancer, by identifying relevant genomic sequences.
In scholarly and applied biology, PCR is a staple technique and is regularly used for tasks like testing for infectious diseases (e.g., Wuhan flu), ensuring precision and effectiveness in applications requiring DNA amplification.