Using PCR, a student hopes to amplify a sequence of known DNA from a genomic DNA sample. The two primers are both designed to pair with sequences that have a 40% GC content. Using a particular set of denaturation temperatures, annealing temperatures, and extension temperatures, the experiment produces not the expected single DNA fragment of a single known size, but a set of fragments of different sizes. Which of the following could account for these results?
A)The sequences of the primers were not specific enough.
B)The annealing temperature was too high.
C)The denaturation temperature was too high.
D)The extension temperature was too low.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primers' lack of specificity could lead to them binding to multiple similar sequences across the genome, resulting in amplification of various DNA fragments of different sizes.

Using PCR, a Student Hopes to Amplify a Sequence of Known