Question

a. List the three steps involved in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

b. Name the source organism of Taq polymerase. Explain the specific role of this enzyme in PCR.

Answer 1

a. The three steps involved in polymerase chain reaction (PCR):

i. Denaturation of double stranded DNA (dsDNA) at high temperature.

ii. Annealing of two sets of primers.

iii. Extension of primers to form dsDNA by Taq polymerase and deoxynucleotides.

b. Source organism of Taq polymerase is the bacterium Thermus aquaticus. This enzyme is heat tolerant and repeatedly amplifies DNA at high temperatures.