Thermal Cyclers

Thermal cyclers, also known as PCR machines, are essential laboratory instruments used to amplify DNA and RNA through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process. These devices precisely control temperature changes necessary for denaturation, annealing, and extension of nucleic acid sequences. Typically equipped with a heated block that holds sample tubes or plates, thermal cyclers can rapidly cycle through set temperatures to ensure optimal reaction conditions. Many modern thermal cyclers feature advanced technology such as real-time monitoring, gradient capabilities for optimising annealing temperatures, and intuitive user interfaces for easy programming. Their versatility allows them to be used in a variety of applications, including molecular biology, genetics, diagnostics, and forensics. By enabling precise and efficient nucleic acid amplification, thermal cyclers are indispensable tools in research and clinical laboratories.