Question

What are the basic components of PCR?

Answer 1

Hint: PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. This is a method that biotechnologists use to amplify the sample or specifically, we can say ‘gene or matter of interest’. Three basic steps- Denaturation, Primer annealing, and, Primer extension are involved during the whole PCR process.

Complete answer:
5 basic components are required for the PCR process. These are: DNA template, DNA polymerase enzyme (or Taq polymerase enzyme), primers, nucleotides, and reaction buffers.
A brief description of these components is given below:
1. The DNA template is that specific sequence of DNA that is our gene of interest and needs to be amplified.
2. The Taq polymerase is a type of DNA polymerase that is active at high temperatures of about 75° C. And since PCR is carried at high temperatures, this enzyme is the best choice. This is the molecule that helps in amplifying the sample.
3. Primers are short strands of genetic sequences, or we can say them to be oligonucleotides of DNA of 8-60 base pairs.
4. The four different deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs), adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T) are needed to provide the building blocks for DNA replication. The DNA polymerase will pair up these nucleotides against the DNA sequence following the rule of complementarity.
5. A reaction buffer is used to make the overall system stable. Like a buffer containing MgCl₂ is added. Magnesium plays an important role in the PCR reactions as it is a cofactor of the Taq polymerase enzyme.

Note:
Here the basic components necessarily mean the chemicals that are required for a successful PCR reaction, and not the apparatus in which the PCR reactions are carried out. The learner should be careful about this when asked this question.