Question

Which of the following characteristics of Taq polymerase make it useful in the PCR process?

A. Only minute amounts are needed for each cycle of PCR.
B. It binds more readily than other polymerases to the primers.
C. It is heat stable and can withstand the heating step of PCR.
D. It has regions that are complementary to the primers.

Answer 1

The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a biotechnological method that is used to amplify the quantity of specific DNA sequences in the laboratory. The method requires the use of a DNA polymerase that can replicate the DNA sequences. The Taq polymerase is a good fit for this requirement because it has a thermo-stable DNA polymrase, which can withstand the heating step of PCR. The bacteria T aquaticus from which the DNA polymerase was extracted lives in hot springs and hydro-thermal vents, this makes it possible for it to withstand high temperature.