THE POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION AND ITS APPLICATION TO FILAMENTOUS FUNGI

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a rapid and sensitive procedure for the in vitro amplification of specific segments of DNA. The ability to perform primer-directed amplification of specific sequences of DNA has had an effect on research similar to that of the discovery of restriction enzymes and Southern hybridization. Since the introduction of PCR in 1986, an ever increasing number of scientific applications have been reported, including the direct cloning, mutagenesis, sequencing and exact engineering of specific genes or gene sequences directly from genomic DNA or complementary DNA (cDNA). PCR is also being used increasingly for a variety of genetic and forensic analysis, as well as for several diagnostic procedures useful in screening for genetic diseases or disease agents. The success of PCR in generating and detecting specific DNA fragments has accelerated the use of molecular biology in many biological systems. The focus of this review is to offer examples of how PCR techniques may be used to study the molecular genetics, life cycles, ecology and phylogeny of filamentous fungi.