Understanding PCR and Its Evolution

What role do hot springs and hydrothermal vents play in molecular biology?

• They are sources of renewable energy.

• They provide unique microbes for studying pathogens.

• They are used for recreational purposes.

• They are locations for archaeological digs.

What was a major challenge in DNA sequencing during the 1960s?

• Lack of interest in genetic research.

• Inability to visualize DNA.

• Difficulty in obtaining sufficient genetic material.

• Absence of computing technology.

What is the function of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

• It binds primers to DNA.

• It cuts DNA into smaller pieces.

• It builds new DNA strands from nucleotides.

• It unwinds the DNA strands.

Why was the early DNA replication process slow and expensive?

• It required rare chemicals.

• It depended on large machines.

• It needed constant manual intervention.

• It used heat-sensitive polymerases.

What is the significance of Thermus aquaticus in PCR?

• It is used in vaccine production.

• Its polymerase can withstand high temperatures.

• It is a model organism for genetic studies.

• It is a source of antibiotics.

How did Taq polymerase revolutionize genetics?

• By making DNA replication faster and cheaper.

• By eliminating the need for primers.

• By allowing DNA replication at room temperature.

• By enabling rapid DNA sequencing.

What is a limitation of Taq polymerase?

• It requires a specific type of primer.

• It cannot function at high temperatures.

• It sometimes makes errors in DNA replication.

• It is too expensive for widespread use.

What advantage do enzymes from Pyrococcus abyssi have over Taq polymerase?

• They work at lower temperatures.

• They are cheaper to produce.

• They can replicate RNA.

• They have higher accuracy due to proofreading.

Why do researchers continue to explore extreme environments?

• To find new sources of energy.

• To discover microbes with unique molecular abilities.

• To study climate change effects.

• To develop new recreational areas.

What broader impact did PCR have beyond studying viral outbreaks?

• It led to the development of new vaccines.

• It replaced traditional methods of disease diagnosis.

• It enabled the study of evolutionary and biological questions.

• It became the primary method for cloning organisms.