Starting with a single double-stranded DNA molecule,_______ double-stranded DNA molecules will exist after five rounds of PCR (assuming that the PCR works perfectly).
A) 5
B) 10
C) 16
D) 32
E) 1,024

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each round of PCR doubles the number of existing double-stranded DNA molecules. Therefore, after one round of PCR, there will be 2 double-stranded DNA molecules. After two rounds of PCR, there will be 4 double-stranded DNA molecules. After three rounds of PCR, there will be 8 double-stranded DNA molecules. After four rounds of PCR, there will be 16 double-stranded DNA molecules. After five rounds of PCR, there will be 32 double-stranded DNA molecules. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

Starting with a Single Double-Stranded DNA Molecule,_______ Double-Stranded DNA Molecules