Fluorescent polymerase chain reaction: Part I. A new method allowing genetic diagnosis and DNA fingerprinting of single cells

The analysis of genetic material is fundamental to many medical and scientific applications. One method that has been used extensively for detection or diagnosis of genetic material, especially for single-gene defects or sex, is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It is particularly useful when the amount of genetic material is very limited, or samples have been degraded or fixed. In recent years, sensitivity has increased so that even single copies of genes within a single cell can be detected. This article discusses some of the difficulties involved with single-cell PCR and introduces single-cell fluorescent PCR and its potential applications. The use of fluorescent PCR to reduce misdiagnosis is discussed in detail.