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

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Organic Chemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Why is DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus ideal for PCR?

It is highly specific to DNA sequences.

It has a high mutation rate.

It is resistant to high temperatures.

It can synthesize RNA as well as DNA.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of DNA polymerase in PCR: DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes DNA strands from nucleotides, using a template strand. In PCR, it is crucial for amplifying DNA sequences.

Recognize the conditions of PCR: PCR involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling to denature DNA, anneal primers, and extend the DNA strands. These cycles require an enzyme that can withstand high temperatures.

Identify the characteristics of Thermus aquaticus: Thermus aquaticus is a bacterium that thrives in hot environments, such as hot springs. Its DNA polymerase, known as Taq polymerase, is stable and active at high temperatures.

Explain why Taq polymerase is ideal for PCR: Taq polymerase remains active at the high temperatures used in PCR, typically around 95°C for denaturation. This thermal stability prevents the enzyme from denaturing, making it ideal for the repeated cycles of PCR.

Clarify the misconception about mutation rate and synthesis capabilities: While Taq polymerase is resistant to high temperatures, it does not have a high mutation rate nor does it synthesize RNA. Its primary advantage is its thermal stability, which is crucial for PCR.