Polymerase Chain Reaction - Genetechnology Flashcards
1
Q
1.
A
DNA sample is mixed with DNA nucleotides and DNA polymerase.
2
Q
2.
A
Mixture is heated to 95oC to break hydrogen bonds between base pairs and produce single stranded DNA.
3
Q
3.
A
Short lengths of single-stranded DNA called primers are added.
4
Q
4.
A
Temperature is lowered to 55oC to allow primers to bind to the ends of samples, making short double-stranded sections.
5
Q
5.
A
DNA polymerase binds to these double-stranded sections.
6
Q
6.
A
Temperature is raised to 72oC (optimum for DNA polymerase) to allow enzymes to add nucleotides and replicate the DNA.
7
Q
7.
A
Whole process is automatically repeated many times so the amount of DNA increases exponentially (doubles each time).
