Steps in a Typical PCR Reaction

What are the correct sequence of steps in a typical PCR reaction?

Which of the following activities is the correct sequence of steps in a typical PCR reaction?

A. Denaturation, primer extension, primer annealing

B. Primer extension, primer annealing, denaturation

C. Denaturation, primer annealing, primer extension

D. Primer annealing, denaturation, primer extension

Answer:

The correct sequence of steps in a typical PCR reaction is denaturation, primer annealing, and primer extension.

In a typical PCR reaction, the correct sequence of steps is denaturation, primer annealing, and primer extension.

First, the DNA sample is denatured by heating, which separates the DNA strands. This step helps in making the DNA accessible for further reactions.

Next, the primers anneal to the target sequence of the DNA. Primers are short DNA sequences that are complementary to the sequences on the DNA strands. They provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin synthesis.

Finally, the heat-stable DNA polymerase extends the primers and adds nucleotides to create new DNA strands. This step results in the amplification of the DNA target sequence, producing multiple copies of the desired DNA fragment.