What is Allele Specific PCR primarily used to detect?

Allele Specific PCR is primarily utilized to detect single nucleotide changes, which are small alterations in the DNA sequence that can significantly influence gene function and potentially lead to genetic diseases. This method amplifies only the specific allele that contains the nucleotide variant of interest, allowing for a sensitive and specific detection of mutations or polymorphisms associated with various conditions.

The technique is particularly valuable in clinical settings for diagnosing genetic disorders caused by single nucleotide variations. For example, it can be used to confirm the presence of mutations in genes related to specific cancers or inherited diseases. The ability to discriminate between different alleles based on a single nucleotide difference makes Allele Specific PCR a powerful tool in molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine.