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Which DNA polymerase is most commonly used in routine PCR because of its high thermostability and lack of proofreading activity?

easy MCQ 1 mark Class 12 · Biology · Biotechnology Principles and Processes
  1. Taq polymerase
  2. Pfu polymerase
  3. DNA polymerase I
  4. Reverse transcriptase
Answer
Taq polymerase

The correct answer is Taq polymerase — Therefore the polymerase fitting the description is Taq polymerase.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Identify the polymerase that can withstand repeated heating to 95 °C.
  2. Recall that Taq polymerase is isolated from Thermus aquaticus and is thermostable.
  3. Note that Taq lacks 3'→5' exonuclease (proofreading) activity.
  4. Therefore the polymerase fitting the description is Taq polymerase.
Common mistake: Choosing Pfu polymerase because of high fidelity instead of Taq’s thermostability

Concept tested: DNA polymerase used in PCR

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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