The polymerase chain reaction requires
A) one specific DNA oligonucleotide as a primer.
B) single-stranded DNA as template.
C) a heat-resistant RNA polymerase.
D) cyclical denaturation and annealing of double-stranded DNA.
E) primase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires the cyclical denaturation (separation of DNA strands) and annealing (joining of primers to complementary strands) of double-stranded DNA. This is achieved through multiple heating (denaturation) and cooling (annealing and extension) cycles. PCR also requires specific DNA oligonucleotides as primers, which are essential for the initiation of DNA synthesis by the polymerase enzyme. Single-stranded DNA or RNA polymerase are not used in PCR, and primase is not required as PCR primers are synthesized externally.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction Requires