Gene Technologies

Question 1

Summarise in-vitro PCR

Answer 1

Mixture of DNA polymerase, free nucleotides, primers and DNA sample added
Heated to break the hydrogen bonds
Cooled to allow primers to bind
Heated again to allow DNA polymerase to join free nucleotides (phosphodiester bonds)
New DNA acts as a template as the cycle is repeated around 39 times

Question 2

What are some strengths of in-vitro PCR

Answer 2

Rapid
Not require culturing of living cells

Question 3

Strengths of in-vivo

Answer 3

No contamination
Very accurate
Useful when introducing a gene into another organism