PCR Steps: Primer Binding and Extension

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What is the optimal temperature for the DNA polymerase enzyme to synthesize new DNA strands during the extension step of PCR?

72°C (correct)

95°C

85°C

65°C

What is the primary function of primers in PCR?

To provide a starting point for DNA synthesis (correct)

To break down glucose for energy and carbon molecules

To provide energy for DNA synthesis

To catalyze the sixth step of glycolysis

What is the typical length range of PCR primers?

50 to 60 nucleotides

10 to 15 nucleotides

30 to 40 nucleotides

18 to 25 nucleotides (correct)

What is the significance of primer specificity in PCR?

It ensures that the primer anneals specifically to the target DNA sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the enzyme that catalyzes the sixth step of glycolysis and is being targeted for amplification in this experiment?

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the denaturation step in PCR?

To separate the double-stranded DNA into two single strands Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal temperature range for the annealing step in PCR?

50-60°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Taq polymerase that makes it suitable for PCR?

Thermophilic nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of PCR in terms of DNA fragment length?

PCR can only amplify DNA fragments up to 10 kb Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal GC content range for PCR primers?

50-55% Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of dNTPs in DNA synthesis during PCR?

To provide the building blocks for DNA synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of significant self-complementarity in PCR primers?

Primer-dimer formation and non-specific binding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an application of PCR in genetic engineering?

Site-directed mutagenesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) in PCR?

Serving as building blocks for DNA synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of optimizing the melting temperature (Tm) of PCR primers?

To promote similar annealing temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Taq polymerase that allows it to withstand repeated heating cycles during PCR?

Heat stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of Taq polymerase's high error rate in certain applications?

Generation of genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical length range limitation of DNA fragments that can be amplified using Taq polymerase?

Up to a few kilobases Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction in which Taq polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during PCR?

5' to 3' Signup and view all the answers

Why is Taq polymerase widely used in molecular biology laboratories?

It is commercially available in purified form Signup and view all the answers