A general probabilistic model of the PCR process

Earlier work by Saha et al. rigorously derived a general probabilistic model for the PCR process that includes as a special case the Velikanov-Kapral model where all nucleotide reaction rates are the same. In this model the probability of binding of deoxy-nucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) molecules with template strands is derived from the microscopic chemical kinetics. A recursive solution for the probability function of binding of dNTPs is developed for a single cycle and is used to calculate expected yield for a multicycle PCR. The model is able to reproduce important features of the PCR amplification process quantitatively. With a set of favorable reaction conditions, the amplification of the target sequence is fast enough to rapidly outnumber all side products. Furthermore, the final yield of the target sequence in a multicycle PCR run always approaches an asymptotic limit that is less than one. The amplification process itself is highly sensitive to initial concentrations and the r...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2006
• Where: AMC
• Authors: Nilanjan Saha, Layne T. Watson, Karen Kafadar, Alexey Onufriev, Naren Ramakrishnan, Cecilia Vasquez-Robinet, Jonathan I. Watkinson
• Keywords: AMC 2006, Model, Multicycle Pcr, Reaction Rates