PCR Lab Quiz

Question 1

What are the components of a PCR reactions? Why are each used?

Answer 1

1) primer: gives a primer for Taq pol to add nucleotides too.
2)Taq buffer; creates the right conditions for taq pol
3) dNTPs: used to build new DNA molecule
4) Taq polymerase: synthesizes new strands of DNA in the heat.
5)Cheek cell DNA: DNA with sequence to be amplified

Question 2

What is happening at each temperature of a PCR cycle?

Answer 2

94 C - DNA bonds are being melted by the high heat and the strands are separating
55C - Annealing Temperature is lowered enough that primers can attach to the DNA strands
72C - The temp is raised so that taq pol can add nucleotides to synthesize new strand

Question 3

Why is taq polymerase kept on ice until it is needed?

Answer 3

To keep the pol intact so that no degredation occurs and the protein doesn’t unfold

Question 4

How is the length of the extension time determined?

Answer 4

Length of SNP and synthesis rate of Taq

Question 5

What is a SNP

Answer 5

single nucleotide polymerase: region of DNA wanting to be replicated