PCR Virtual Lab

A technique for making millions of copies of a specific region of DNA.

• DNA ligase

• restriction enzymes

• gel electrophoresis

• polymerase chain reaction

From where does Taq polymerase come?

• Bacteria that live in hydrothermal vents/hot springs.

• Cambodia

• The rain forest

• The CDC

What happens in the Denature step of PCR?

• The DNA nucleotides are broken apart.
• The base-pairing rules for DNA are reversed.
• The double-stranded DNA is separated into two single strands of DNA.
• The DNA is returned to its natural setting.

At what temperature does the Denature step of PCR occur?

• 95° C

• 50° C

• 72° C

• Any temperature

At what temperature does the Anneal step of PCR occur?

• 95° C

• 50° C

• 72° C

• Any temperature

At what temperature does the Extension step of PCR occur?

• 95°C

• 50-65°C

• 72°C

• Any temperature

What happens during the Anneal step of PCR?

• Primers are created.
• The primers attach to the target DNA region.
• Primers copy the new DNA strand.
• Primers sequence DNA

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.

What is the purpose of the Extension step of PCR?

• To create the primers.
• To extend the time it takes to produce DNA.
• To allow polymerase to create the complementary strands of DNA.
• To allow substrates to copy DNA sequences.

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.