Perkin-Elmer/Cetus Model 480 DNA Thermal Cycler

• Manufactured by the Perkin-Elmer Corporation
  Made in Norwalk, CT
• 12.125 in. H x 12.875 in. W x 19.875 in. D
  Steel, plastic, metal
• On display in Making Modernity
• Purchased for Collection
• 2007.077

Description

The thermal cycler (also known as a thermocycler, polymerase chain reaction [PCR] machine, or DNA amplifier) is a laboratory apparatus used for PCR analysis, or the rapid replication of a particular DNA sequence. The device has a thermal block with holes where tubes with the PCR mixtures can be inserted. The cycler then raises and lowers the temperature of the block in discrete, preprogrammed steps in order to facilitate the mass replication.