MI 2.1.2 Quick Lab Review

What is found in the PCR beads?

• primers

• DNA template

• Taq polymerase

• dNTPs

• ultrapure water

What is the purpose of centrifuging during the PCR lab activity?

• To copy the DNA template

• To mix the PCR reagents together

• To separate the PCR reagents from each other

• To measure out a specific volume of the PCR mix

Why is it necessary to keep the PCR reagents on ice?

• Taq polymerase only works at very low temperatures.

• DNA copies only at low temperatures.

• Primers degrade at high temperatures.

• DNA degrades rapidly at high temperature.

According to the instructions, the thermal cycler keeps the PCR mix at 72°C for 30 seconds in order to

• extend the DNA copies.

• anneal the primers.

• keep the DNA from degrading.

• denature the DNA template.

Why is the thermal cycler only set for 10 cycles even though we want to see the results of the PCR for 30 cycles?

• 10 cycles is equal to 30 cycles in PCR terms.

• The PCR mix is only supposed to cycle for 10 cycles, not 30.

• The PCR mix is put in the thermal cycler 3 times for 10 cycles each.

• The PCR mix continues for 20 more cycles after it is taken out of the thermal cycler.