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Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules attaches to the DNA during the annealing stage of PCR?
A
Nucleotides
B
Ligase
C
DNA polymerase
D
Primers
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the PCR process: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify DNA. It consists of three main stages: denaturation, annealing, and extension.
Focus on the annealing stage: During annealing, the temperature is lowered to allow primers to bind to the single-stranded DNA template. This is crucial for the next stage, extension, where DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands.
Identify the role of primers: Primers are short sequences of nucleotides that provide a starting point for DNA synthesis. They are complementary to the target DNA sequence and attach to the DNA during the annealing stage.
Differentiate between the molecules listed: Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA, ligase is an enzyme that joins DNA strands, and DNA polymerase is the enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands. Primers are specifically designed to bind to the DNA during annealing.
Conclude the correct molecule: Based on the function and role during the PCR process, primers are the molecules that attach to the DNA during the annealing stage.