Introduction; Overview - BIO RAD MyCycler Instruction Manual

Section 1
Introduction
o 1.1 Overview
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has been one of the most important
developments in Molecular Biology. This technique has greatly accelerated the rate
of genetic discovery, making critical techniques relatively easy and reproducible.
The MyCycler thermal cycling instrument provides optimum performance for
PCR and other thermal cycling techniques. The MyCycler incorporates a Peltier
driven heating and cooling system for superb thermal cycling performance. See
w Appendix A-Specifications at the end of this manual for detailed information
regarding the rates of heating and cooling, and accuracy and uniformity of the
reaction module's temperature. Rigorous testing of the module's accuracy, uniformity,
"-' and consistency in temperature, and of heating and cooling rates was conducted
to insure reliable and reproducible experimental results.
The MyCycler features a heated lid. This eliminates the need for any oil overlay
in the sample tubes as long as lid temperature control is on and the lid remains
closed throughout the run. The self-adjusting, heated lid provides the versatility to
accommodate a variety of tubes or plates.
.w The MyCycler offers two modes of temperature monitoring and control:
w • Algorithm - uses the experimentally derived sample temperature given a
specific sample volume
• Block - uses the actual sample block temperature
Both modes of temperature control yield excellent results in our test protocols.
The MyCycler comes with an exceptionally intuitive user interface, offering a
graphical view of the programmed protocols. Each protocol may include as many
w as 9 cycles with 9 steps each and up to 99 repeats for each cycle. Additionally, the
MyCycler is capable of advanced protocol options such as time and temperature
increments and decrements. Furthermore, every time a protocol is executed, a
^ detailed report of the run is recorded and stored on the instrument for 30 days.
* Practice of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process requires a license. The MyCycler is an authorized thermal
cycler, and may be used with PCR licenses available from Applied Biosystems. Its use with authorized reagents also
provides a limited PCR license in accordance with the label rights accompanying such reagents.