Primer (molecular biology)

In molecular biology, a primer is a short single-stranded nucleic acid (RNA or DNA) that serves as a starting point for DNA synthesis. Primers are essential for various molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and cloning. Here are some key points about primers: 1. **Structure**: Primers are typically 18-30 nucleotides long and are complementary to the target DNA sequence.