Class 12 Zoology simulations · Biotechnology: Principles and Processes

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Cycle through denaturation, primer annealing and extension. Each cycle (ideally) doubles the DNA.

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What to notice

A thermostable DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus (Taq) survives the high denaturation temperature.

Key relation

Copies after n cycles = N₀(1 + E)ⁿ ; ideal (E = 1): N₀ × 2ⁿ

Try this

How many copies from one DNA molecule after 30 ideal cycles?

What you can change

• Number of cycles: 0 to 35
• Efficiency per cycle: 60 to 100 %
• Starting copies: 1 to 100

More in Biotechnology: Principles and Processes

• Agarose gel electrophoresis
• Making recombinant DNA

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