I keep getting “PCR” questions wrong in Biotechnology - Principles and Processes. What's the trap?
thinking PCR needs living cells to copy DNA.
The usual trap: thinking PCR needs living cells to copy DNA. How to avoid it: PCR copies DNA in a test tube with Taq polymerase -- no cells involved. Go back to the definition — amplifies DNA in a tube using primers, dNTPs and heat-stable Taq polymerase across denaturation-annealing-extension cycles.
Key point
PCR
Common mistake
thinking PCR needs living cells to copy DNA.
Memory tip
PCR copies DNA in a test tube with Taq polymerase -- no cells involved.
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