Final answer:
To correct an error in PCR documentation, draw a single horizontal line through it, initial, and write the correct info. The wrong annealing temperature affects PCR efficiency and primer binding.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you discover an error as you are writing your PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) protocol or any other laboratory documentation, the correct action to take is to draw a single horizontal line through the error, initial it, and write the correct information next to it. This approach ensures that the original entry remains legible, providing a clear record of what was changed and by whom. It's important that laboratory records are kept accurate and transparent for the purposes of reproducibility and validation of results. Using correction fluid or erasing the error is not appropriate in scientific documentation, as it can obscure the historical record of your work.
In the scenario where the annealing temperature was incorrectly set to 65°C instead of 50°C, the PCR reaction would likely be compromised. A higher annealing temperature may lead to less efficient binding of the primers to the target sequences, potentially resulting in poor amplification or non-specific amplification. By making sure that the PCR protocol programmed into the thermal cycler is correct, you ensure the accuracy and success of your PCR experiments.