PCR

Question 1

the goal

Answer 1

PCR is the technique used to quickly make many copies of the selected fragments of DNA.

Question 2

starting materials

Answer 2

DNA fragment to be copied
DNA polymerase
Free nucleotides
Primers (single stranded sequences of DNA used to initiate replication)

Question 3

step 1 denaturing

Answer 3

the four starting materials are heated to 95°C. This denatures (separates) the DNA strands.

Question 4

step 2 annealing

Answer 4

The four materials are cooled to 55°C. This allows the primers to anneal (bond) to the DNA fragments.

Question 5

step 3 extending

Answer 5

The four starting materials are heated to 72°C. This allows DNA polymerase to build DNA strands from primers using free nucleotides.

Question 6

RFLP requires large amounts of DNA, so

Answer 6

PCR helps scientists copy a small amount of DNA to run RFLP.

A small drop of blood can contain only 50 white blood cells.
RFLP requires 5,000-50,000 white blood cells.
PCR can make enough copies to run RFLP.

Question 7

The DNA from just a few embryonic cells can be copied in order to

Answer 7

have enough to run tests to detect genetic disorders.

Question 8

Ancient genetic material (like the DNA from mummies) can be

Answer 8

copied and studied

Question 9

PCR Covid tests use primers specific to viral DNA.

Answer 9

dyes attach to DNA if present

Question 10

each cycle takes..

Answer 10

5 minutes