I keep getting “PCR (polymerase chain reaction)” questions wrong in Biotechnology & its Applications. What's the trap?
confusing PCR (which amplifies DNA) with gel electrophoresis (which separates it).
The usual trap: confusing PCR (which amplifies DNA) with gel electrophoresis (which separates it). How to avoid it: PCR = photocopier for DNA; electrophoresis = sorting DNA by size. Go back to the definition — a technique that makes millions of copies of a DNA segment using primers and heat-stable Taq polymerase.
Key point
PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
Common mistake
confusing PCR (which amplifies DNA) with gel electrophoresis (which separates it).
Memory tip
PCR = photocopier for DNA; electrophoresis = sorting DNA by size.
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