Polymerase Chain Reaction Flashcards

1
Q

What does PCR do?

A

Amplifies one sample of DNA thousands of times over to create a large enough sample of DNA for extensive analysis.

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2
Q

Describe the function of DNA polymerase in the PCR.

A

Joins together thousands of nucleotides rapidly.

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3
Q

What are primers?

A

Short sequences of nucleotides that have a set of bases complementary to the end of DNA fragments.

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4
Q

Why is DNA polymerase used in PCR taken from bacteria that live in hot springs?

A

They are tolerant to heat so the enzyme wont denature

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5
Q

What is a thermocycler?

A

A computer controlled machine that varies temperature precisely over set periods.

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6
Q

What 3 things are placed in a thermocycler?

A

DNA fragments, primers, DNA polymerase

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7
Q

What temperature is the thermocycler raised to as the DNA is being split?

A

96 C

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8
Q

Describe how DNA is split in a thermocycler.

A

DNA strands between the fragment break as the hydrogen bonds are broken

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9
Q

What does anneal mean?

A

To stick

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10
Q

Describe the annealing process that occurs during PCR.

A

Primers bind to the separated strands of DNA.

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11
Q

What temperature is the thermocycler cooled to during the annealing process?

A

55C

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12
Q

What 2 do primers do after annealing has taken place?

A

They provide the starting sequence for DNA polymerase to bind to and begin copying.
They also prevent the 2 separate strands from re-joining.

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13
Q

During DNA synthesis, what temperature is the thermocycler raised to?

A

72C

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14
Q

Describe how DNA polymerase leads to production of new DNA.

A

DNA polymerase binds to the primers and moves along the strand, joining complementary bases and forming the DNA

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15
Q

How much DNA will be present after a cycle of PCR has taken place compared to at the start?

A

Double

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16
Q

What is the benefit of PCR being rapid?

A

Allows to make several copies of limited DNA quickly when needed, such as for a crime scene.

17
Q

What is the benefit of PCR not needing living organisms?

A

No complex culturing techniques needed.