The LightCycler® 480 real-time PCR system: a versatile platform for genetic variation research

Real-time PCR is a well established technique for studying genetic variation using various probe-based methods for genotyping as well as high-resolution analysis of whole amplicons melted in the presence of saturating DNA dyes. The latter, relatively new, method allows screening for unknown mutations or DNA modifications. The LightCycler ® 480 real-time PCR system is a multiwell plate–based instrument that provides integrated applications for detecting and characterizing genetic variation using all these methodological approaches.