Final answer:
The purpose of PCR using the plant master mix is to amplify a specific DNA sequence. Taq polymerase in the mix withstands high temperatures to replicate the DNA, producing multiple copies for further genetic analysis or biotechnological applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Purpose of PCR Reaction Using Plant Master Mix
The purpose of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the plant master mix is to amplify a specific DNA sequence. This is achieved by combining primers, which are short pieces of DNA complementary to each end of the target sequence, with genomic DNA, Taq polymerase, and deoxynucleotides in the PCR reaction. Taq polymerase is a heat-stable enzyme derived from the Thermus aquaticus bacterium, which allows it to withstand the high temperatures utilized during the PCR process. The PCR cycles include denaturation of the DNA strands, annealing of the primers, and extension of the DNA by Taq polymerase, to exponentially multiply the specific DNA segment of interest.
During PCR, the plant master mix enables the in vitro replication of the DNA segment, which after multiple cycles, results in a significant number of identical copies. This replicated DNA can be used for various applications in biotechnology, such as cloning, gene analysis, and the creation of transgenic plants.