Question

An alternative to adding polymerase at later stage is __________

(a) Make the polymerase inactive by binding it to an antibody

(b) Introduce the polymerase or Magnesium in clay beads

(c) Make the polymerase inactive by attaching groups which cause stearic inhindrance

(d) Introduction of polymerase or Magnesium in plastic wires

I got this question during an online interview.

My question comes from Modifications in PCR topic in chapter Polymerase Chain Reaction of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) Make the polymerase inactive by binding it to an antibody

The explanation is: An alternative to start the extension at higher temperature is to make the polymerase inactive by binding an antibody to it. The antibody detaches itself at a higher temperature and thus polymerase is activated at higher temperature. Also, the polymerase or Magnesium can be introduced into wax beads and these beads melt at higher temperatures. Magnesium is required for the polymerase to function.