University at Albany Immune Systems & Polymerase Chain Reaction Discussion

MICRO WK3

PART I

PCR

PCR has been developed as a technology for correcting gene defects, thereby advancing the diagnostic aspects of molecular biology, especially for infectious and diagnostic diseases.

Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research on PCR. Based on your research, respond to the following:

• What is PCR? Describe the technique in detail.
• What enzyme is used in this process and how is the enzyme used in PCR different from others?
• What is that enzyme’s function in the cell?
• How has PCR changed microbiology?

PART II

Immune Systems

Immune systems consist of two components—humoral and cellular. Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research on these two components. Based on your research, respond to the following:

• Describe cellular and humoral immune responses.
• How are they different from each other?
• Give examples of diseases that compromise each of these responses. Your examples must include how each disease compromises the response.