Chapter 20.1, Problem 4CC

Summary Introduction

To interpret: How the replication of the ends of DNA during PCR proceeds without the shortening of fragments every time.

Concept introduction:

DNA replication is a semi-conservative process in which each of the two parent strands will unwind and each strand acts as a ‘template’ for the new DNA strand to synthesis.  At its origin, the replication fork forms and then the RNA primers are added at the 5′ ends for the synthesis of new strands (5′- 3′) through DNA polymerase. After DNA replication, the primers are removed, and the end fragments are shortened.  The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to get multiple copies of DNA through thermocycling within a short period.  In PCR, DNA nucleotide primers are used during replication.