Final answer:
The minimal components for a PCR reaction include a DNA template, primers, DNA polymerase, dNTPs, and additional reagents for stability and specificity. Primers must be complementary to the 3' ends of the target DNA, and primer concentration is crucial for the reaction's success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimal ingredients needed for a PCR reaction include the DNA template to be amplified, primers that are complementary to the target DNA sequences, DNA polymerase for synthesizing new strands of DNA, dNTPs (deoxynucleotide triphosphates) which are the building blocks of DNA strands, and other components such as buffer solution, MgCl₂ and sometimes gelatin for reaction stability and specificity. These materials are carefully mixed and placed into the PCR machine, which undergoes a series of temperature changes to enable the different stages of PCR: denaturation, annealing, and extension. It is important to note that the primers' sequence must be known as they need to be complementary to the 3' ends of the target DNA, and the concentration of the primers used generally ranges between 0.05µM and 0.1 µM.