Govt. Exams
Entrance Exams
In multiplex PCR, primers with similar Tm values ensure equal amplification efficiency across all targets. Amplicons of comparable sizes prevent preferential amplification of shorter fragments (which amplify faster), ensuring balanced and accurate STR profiles for individual identification.
Digital PCR partitions samples into thousands of individual reactions, enabling absolute quantification without standard curves. This is crucial for detecting rare mutations where ctDNA comprises only 0.01-1% of total circulating DNA, making it superior for cancer diagnostics.
The optimal annealing temperature should be set at or slightly below the Tm of the primer with the lowest Tm (58°C) to prevent primer dissociation while maintaining specificity. Using 58°C ensures both primers can bind efficiently.
NGS requires substantial DNA; PCR amplifies adaptor-ligated fragments while incorporating index sequences for multiplexing, enabling efficient library preparation.
dNTPs (dATP, dGTP, dCTP, dTTP) are incorporated into the growing DNA strand by Taq polymerase via phosphodiester bond formation.
GC-rich regions form hairpins; additives (DMSO/betaine) destabilize secondary structures, while higher denaturation temperatures and specialized polymerases enhance amplification.
Allele-specific qPCR can rapidly detect known resistance mutations (e.g., rpoB in rifampicin resistance) in clinical TB samples for faster diagnosis.
PCR-DGGE separates PCR amplicons based on melting behavior, providing a fingerprint of microbial community structure independent of culture.
Long-range PCR requires thermostable polymerases with 3'→5' exonuclease activity (e.g., Pfu, Phusion) and extended elongation times for processivity.
Heterozygotes carry both alleles; separate allele-specific primer sets each amplify their respective allele, showing amplification in both reactions.