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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during the PCR process?
A
DNA ligase
B
RNA polymerase
C
Taq polymerase
D
Helicase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the PCR process: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify DNA sequences. It involves repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension.
Identify the role of enzymes in PCR: During the extension phase, an enzyme is required to synthesize new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the primer.
Consider the enzymes listed: DNA ligase, RNA polymerase, Taq polymerase, and Helicase.
DNA ligase is involved in joining DNA fragments, not synthesizing new strands. RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA, not DNA. Helicase unwinds DNA strands but does not synthesize them.
Taq polymerase is the enzyme used in PCR to synthesize new DNA strands. It is a thermostable DNA polymerase that can withstand the high temperatures used in PCR.