Quiz on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Who discovered PCR?

• Francis Crick

• James Watson

• Rosalind Franklin

• Kary B. Mullis

What is the primary function of DNA polymerase in PCR?

• To degrade DNA

• To synthesize proteins

• To duplicate DNA

• To amplify RNA

What is the optimum temperature for Taq polymerase activity?

• 95°C

• 37°C

• 72°C

• 56°C

Which component acts as a cofactor in PCR?

• Primers

• MgCl2

• DNA template

• dNTPs

What is the purpose of primers in PCR?

• To increase the temperature

• To stabilize the DNA structure

• To degrade unwanted DNA

• To provide a starting point for DNA synthesis

What is the role of the PCR buffer?

• To cool the reaction

• To amplify RNA

• To maintain optimum pH and salt concentration

• To provide nutrients for DNA

What can happen if there is too much dNTP in a PCR reaction?

• It can stabilize the DNA

• It can increase the temperature

• It can enhance the reaction

• It can inhibit PCR

What is the purpose of the post-extension step in PCR?

• To prepare for storage

• To allow for additional DNA synthesis

• To cool down the reaction

• To denature the DNA

What is a potential application of PCR in forensic science?

• Cell culture

• Protein synthesis

• Gene therapy

• DNA fingerprinting

What is the consequence of contamination in PCR?

• It can lead to false negatives

• It has no effect

• It can enhance the results

• It can lead to false positives