Question

If a researcher used Escherichia coli DNA polymerase instead of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase in the PCR procedure, what would be the result? _____

A) DNA replication would stop after one cycle.
B) DNA replication would not occur at all.
C) Many mistakes would occur.
D) DNA replication would occur twice as fast as normal.
E) DNA replication would occur more slowly than normal.

Answer 1

If a researcher used Escherichia coli DNA polymerase instead of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase in the PCR procedure, DNA replication would occur more slowly than normal. Therefore, the most appropriate correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a researcher used Escherichia coli DNA polymerase instead of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase in the PCR procedure, the result would be that DNA replication would occur more slowly than normal. The heating and cooling cycles required for PCR can cause DNA polymerases to denature or become inactive. However, Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase, also known as Taq polymerase, is heat-stable and remains active throughout the PCR process. Using Escherichia coli DNA polymerase, which is not heat-stable, would require adding fresh polymerase after each replication cycle.

Therefore, using Escherichia coli DNA polymerase would slow down the replication process and require more time and effort to produce enough copies of the desired DNA.