The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Protocol That Is Currently Used

question 52

Multiple Choice

The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) protocol that is currently used in laboratories was facilitated by the discovery of a bacterium called Thermus aquaticus in a hot spring inside Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming. This organism contains a heat-stable form of DNA polymerase known as Taq polymerase, which continues to function even after it has been heated to 95^oC. Why would such a heat-stable polymerase be beneficial in PCR?

• A) Each cycle includes a "hot" saturation phase (95°C), which allows the primers to anneal to the target DNA.
• B) Each cycle includes a "hot" denaturation phase (95°C), which serves to sterilize the culture.
• C) Each cycle includes a "hot" denaturation phase (95°C), which activates the Taq polymerase.
• D) Each cycle includes a "hot" denaturation phase (95°C), which separates the hydrogen bonds that hold the strands of the template DNA together.
• E) More than one of the above are correct.

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