PCR plates are specialized laboratory tools used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process, which amplifies DNA. These plates are typically made of clear plastic and come in various formats, such as 96-well or 384-well configurations, allowing multiple samples to be processed simultaneously. Each well holds a small volume of liquid, containing the DNA template, primers, and enzymes necessary for the reaction. The design of PCR plates ensures efficient heat transfer during the thermal cycling process, which is crucial for the denaturation, annealing, and extension steps of PCR. Many PCR plates are compatible with standard laboratory equipment, such as thermal cyclers and microplate readers, making them essential for genetic research and diagnostics.