Question

Taq polymerase is an enzyme isolated from the organism Thermophilus aquaticus. This organism has been found living in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. This enzyme is used to copy human DNA from crime scenes. Most reactions are performed at ranges similar to those of the human body; however, what considerations should be made for optimum use of this enzyme?

Answer 1

The temperature should be raised to 75-80 degrees to make the optimum use of Taq polymerase.

Explanation:

Thermus aquaticus is a thermophile and are found in hot spring and hydrothermal vents. The isolation of its polymerase has proved to be a great leap of molecular biology by proving its immense use in PCR technology.

Taq polymerase is used in PCR i.e. polymerase chain reaction because of it high temperature tolerance capacity. Preactically it is found that Taq pol reaches its highest efficiency at about 72 degree celsius. Any deviation from the optimum range decreases the efficiency of Taq pol