The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has been one of the most important developments in Molecular Biology. PCR has greatly accelerated the rate of genetic discovery, making critical techniques relatively easy and reproducible. The availability of technology for kinetic, real time measurements of a PCR in process greatly expands the benefits of the PCR reaction. Real-time analysis of PCR enables truly quantitative analysis of template concentration. Real-Time, on-line PCR monitoring also reduces contamnation opportunities and speeds time to results because traditional post PCR steps are no longer necessary. A wide range of fluorescent chemistries may be employed to monitor the PCR in progress. The iCycler Thermal Cycler provides the optimum performance for PCR and other thermal cycling techniques. Incorporating a Peltier driven heating and cooling design results in rapid heating and cooling performance. Rigorous testing of thermal block temperature accuracy, uniformity, consistency and heating/cooling rates insure reliable and reproducible experimental results. The iCycler iQ Real Time PCR Detection System builds on the strengths of the iCycler thermal cycling system. The iCycler iQ system features a broad spectrum light source that offers maximum flexibility in selecting fluorescent chemistries. The filter based optical design allows selection of the optimal wavelengths of light for excitation and emisssion, resulting in excellent sensitivity and discrimination between multiple fluorophores. the 350,000 pixel array on the CCD detector allows for simultaneous imaging of all 96 wells every second. This results in a comprehensive data set illustrating the behavior of the data during each cycle. Simultaneous image collection insures that well-to-well data may reliably be compared. the iCycler iQ system reports data on the PCR in progress in Real Time, allowing immediate feedback on reaction success. All of tthese features of the iCycler iQ system hardware were built to promote reliability and flexibility. Used by LocationThe iCycler Thermal Cycler is located at the Prince William Campus in SRIF Lab 221of Discovery Hall Building.
|
