How is the process of PCR similar to DNA replication in your own cells?

Question

How is the process of PCR similar to DNA replication in your own cells? How are they different? Give 2 specific examples for each question.

Answer 1

Try looking in your textbook. If this yields no results, try doing a search for Polymerase Chain Reaction.



The process is similar because it involves polymerase, specifically, Taq polymerase, and dNTPs (the four nucleotides, A, C, G, and T). It also results in functional DNA. Each cycle, PCR or cell, the amount of DNA doubles.



Differences are the fact that this is done artificially, in VERY large amounts all at once and in just a few hours, and that usually only sections of the DNA structure are synthesized rather than a whole genome. I am pretty sure an entire genome cannot be synthesized using PCR, but I am not sure. To perform PCR, you need a primer to match up with the DNA whereas in normal cell synthesis, this is not needed.

Answer 2

PCR occurs in a semi-conservative manner much like what happens naturally in your body. PCR is essentially the same as the natural, but it synthesis the proper environment to allow for quicker replication.

Answer 3

Heat is used to separate the strands of DNA. Gel electrophoresis is used to "view" the DNA fragments from the amplicon. Taq is used because it will not denature in the heating process that is used to separate the DNA strands.