What is the function of the high temperature step in PCR (polymerase chain reaction)?
A) activation of the DNA polymerase
B) allowing primers to bind complementary sequences
C) facilitate DNA synthesis
D) deactivate DNA polymerase to pause synthesis
E) break hydrogen bonds for strand separation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high temperature step in PCR is typically around 95°C and is used to break the hydrogen bonds between the two complementary DNA strands, resulting in denaturation or separation of the DNA into single strands. This allows the primers to bind to the complementary sequences on each single strand during the following steps.

What Is the Function of the High Temperature Step in PCR