POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR)

Front

What is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Back

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, making millions of copies of a particular region of DNA.

Front

What is the role of primers in PCR?

Back

Primers frame the beginning and end of the target DNA sequence, allowing for specific amplification.

Front

What is the function of a primer in PCR?

Back

To identify the particular region of DNA to be copied by PCR.

Front

What type of bonds hold the two strands of DNA together?

Back

Hydrogen bonds.

Front

What enzyme is primarily used in PCR?

Back

Taq polymerase.

Front

Where does Taq polymerase originate from?

Back

Bacteria that live in hydrothermal vents/hot springs.

Front

What are the three main steps of PCR?

Back

Denaturation, Annealing, and Extension.

Front

What happens during the denaturation step of PCR?

Back

The double-stranded DNA is heated to separate it into two single strands.

Front

What is the purpose of the annealing step in PCR?

Back

Primers bind to the single-stranded DNA at specific sequences.

Front

What occurs during the extension step of PCR?

Back

Taq polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the primers.