NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
A researcher plots a temperature versus time graph for one complete cycle of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The resulting curve displays three distinct temperature plateaus in sequence: Phase A at 94^ C , Phase B at 54^ C , and Phase C at 72^ C . Which of the following primary molecular events occurs during Phase B?
Options
- ABreaking of hydrogen bonds between the two strands of template DNA
- BPolymerization of deoxynucleotides by Taq polymerase
- CHybridization of oligonucleotide primers to the single-stranded template DNA
- DFormation of phosphodiester bonds by DNA ligase to join DNA fragments
Correct answer
C. Hybridization of oligonucleotide primers to the single-stranded template DNA
Step-by-step solution
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) consists of three main steps in each cycle, characterized by specific temperature requirements: 1. Denaturation (Phase A at 94^ C ): The double-stranded template DNA is heated to break the hydrogen bonds, resulting in single-stranded DNA. 2. Annealing (Phase B at 54^ C ): The temperature is lowered to allow two sets of oligonucleotide primers to hybridize (bind) to their complementary sequences on the single-stranded template DNA. 3. Extension (Phase C at 72^ C ): The temperature