Question

Mention the number of primers required in each cycle of PCR. Write the role of primers and DNA polymerase in PCR. Name the source organism of the DNA polymerase used in PCR.

Answer 1

1. For each cycle of PCR two primers are required.

2. Primers are the small fragments of single stranded DNA or RNA that serve as a template for initiating DNA polymerization.

3. DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules by pairing the Deoxyribo Nucleotides leading to the formation of new strands.

4. DNA polymerase used in PCR is Taq polymerase which is isolated from a thermophilic bacteria called Thermus aquatics.

5. Taq polymerase will remain active ever at a very high temperature (80°C) and hence used in the PCR amplification technique.