Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

34. Nucleic Acids

Intro to Nucleic Acids

Organic Chemistry

34. Nucleic Acids

Intro to Nucleic Acids

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Multiple Choice

Why is Taq polymerase used as the DNA polymerase in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

It is able to withstand the high temperatures used in PCR.

It has a higher fidelity than other DNA polymerases.

It can synthesize RNA as well as DNA.

It is the only polymerase that can initiate DNA synthesis without a primer.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of DNA polymerase in PCR: DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a DNA template during the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Recognize the conditions of PCR: PCR involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling to denature DNA, anneal primers, and extend new DNA strands. These cycles require enzymes that can function at high temperatures.

Identify the unique properties of Taq polymerase: Taq polymerase is derived from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus, which thrives in hot environments. This enzyme is stable and active at the high temperatures used in PCR, typically around 95°C for denaturation.

Compare Taq polymerase with other DNA polymerases: While other DNA polymerases may have higher fidelity or additional functions, they often lack the thermal stability required for PCR, making Taq polymerase the preferred choice.

Clarify misconceptions: Taq polymerase does not synthesize RNA, cannot initiate DNA synthesis without a primer, and its fidelity is not necessarily higher than other polymerases. Its primary advantage is its ability to withstand high temperatures during PCR cycles.