What is PCR

What is the purpose of PCR?

• To produce millions of copies of DNA.
• To produce millions of copies of a specific region of DNA
• To add nucleotides to a DNA sequence
• To watch polymerase work.

From where does Taq polymerase come?

• Bacteria that live in hydrothermal vents/hot springs.
• Cambodia
• The rain forest
• The CDC

At what temperature does the Denature step of PCR occur?

• 94-96° C
• 50-65° C
• 72° C
• Any temperature

At what temperature does the Anneal step of PCR occur?

• 94-96° C
• 50-65° C
• 72° C
• Any temperature

At what temperature does the Extension step of PCR occur?

• 94-96°C
• 50-65°C
• 72°C
• Any temperature

What is the function of a primer?

• To identify the particular region of DNA to be copied by PCR.
• To copy DNA.
• To create DNA nucleotides.
• To maintain the temperature of the PCR reaction.

Why does PCR require a specific type of polymerase?

• Taq polymerase can withstand the range of temperatures in PCR without denaturing.
• Taq polymerase is the most inexpensive type of polymerase.
• Taq polymerase is the most common type of polymerase.
• A specific type of polymerase is unnecessary.

Which of the following best describes the role of primers?

• Frame the beginning and end of the target sequence
• Copy the DNA 
• Cause DNA strands to separate
• Heat the sample

You decide to use PCR to determine if you have Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder. You then decide to also check if you are at risk for developing Alzheimers, another genetic disorder.
What PCR "ingredient" would be different in these two tests?

• Template DNA
• Nucleotides
• Taq DNA polymerase
• Primers