NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
An enzyme isolated from a bacterium found in hot springs is widely used in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Identify the source bacterium, the name of the enzyme, and the specific step of the PCR cycle (along with its approximate temperature) where this enzyme actively synthesizes DNA.
Options
- AThermus aquaticus, Taq polymerase, Denaturation at 94^ C
- BAgrobacterium tumefaciens, DNA ligase, Annealing at 52^ C
- CThermus aquaticus, Taq polymerase, Extension at 72^ C
- DThermus aquaticus, Taq polymerase, Annealing at 52^ C
Correct answer
C. Thermus aquaticus, Taq polymerase, Extension at 72^ C
Step-by-step solution
The thermostable enzyme Taq polymerase is isolated from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus, which naturally inhabits hot springs. In the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), the cycle consists of three main steps: Denaturation (around 94^ C ), Annealing (around 52^ C ), and Extension (around 72^ C ). While Taq polymerase survives the high temperature of the denaturation step, it actively catalyzes the polymerization of nucleotides (synthesizes DNA) during the extension step at approximately 72^ C . Answer: Th