Question

Which of the following are needed for polymerase chain reaction?
(A). Template DNA segment of interest
(B). Oligonucleotide primers
(C). Taq DNA polymerase
(D). Ribonucleotide triphosphates
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Be careful with terminology: PCR synthesizes DNA, so it requires deoxynucleotides (dNTPs), not ribonucleotides (rNTPs).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is an in vitro technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences through repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
An active PCR assay requires the following components:
1. Template DNA (A): The target genomic or plasmid DNA containing the sequence to be amplified.
2. Oligonucleotide primers (B): Short, single-stranded DNA sequences designed to hybridize to complementary regions flanking the target sequence on both strands.
3. Thermostable DNA Polymerase (C): Typically Taq DNA polymerase, which synthesizes the new DNA strands and remains active at high temperatures.
4. Deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs): dATP, dCTP, dGTP, dTTP are required as building blocks for DNA synthesis. Ribonucleotide triphosphates (rNTPs) (D) are used for RNA synthesis (transcription) and are not compatible with DNA polymerases in PCR.
5. Thus, only (A), (B), and (C) are required.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The required PCR components are (A), (B), and (C) only.