Internal positive control (IPC)
Definition
An exogenous DNA template of known sequence and concentration added to the PCR reaction alongside the forensic sample. If the IPC fails to amplify, PCR inhibition is suspected. If it amplifies normally but the target does not, the sample is likely DNA-negative rather than inhibited.
Related terms
- 8-Oxoguanine
- An oxidised form of guanine produced by reactive oxygen species attacking the C8 position of the guanine ring. 8-Oxoguanine mispairs with adenine...
- Abasic site
- A position in the DNA backbone where the nitrogenous base has been lost, leaving only the deoxyribose-phosphate scaffold. Also called an AP...
- Depurination
- Hydrolytic cleavage of the N-glycosidic bond between deoxyribose and a purine base (adenine or guanine), generating an abasic (apurinic) site. Abasic sites...
- Ministr (reduced-size) STR
- A short tandem repeat assay redesigned so that the amplicon spans a shorter distance from primer to primer, typically less than 200...
- PCR inhibitor
- A co-extracted substance that interferes with Taq polymerase activity or primer annealing. Common inhibitors in forensic samples include haemoglobin (from blood on...
Explained in
- DNA Degradation: Mechanisms, Inhibitors and Environmental EffectsAn exogenous DNA template of known sequence and concentration added to the PCR reaction alongside the forensic sample. If the IPC fails to amplify, PCR inhibit...