The Impact of Using Only One Oligonucleotide Primer in PCR

What would most likely happen if only one oligonucleotide primer was used in PCR?

Group of answer choices:

(A). The primer would amplify both strands, but only produce half as much DNA as if two primers were used.

(B). The primer would be unable to anneal and would not amplify any DNA.

(C). The primer would be denatured by the high temperatures used to melt the DNA.

(D). The primer would amplify only one strand so that double-stranded DNA would not be produced.

(E). The primer would amplify both DNA strands, producing the same amount of DNA as if two primers were used.

Answer:

Option (D) is the correct answer. The primer would amplify only one strand so that double-stranded DNA would not be produced.

The polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, creates millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence using a method analogous to DNA replication that takes the use of heat-resistant bacterial equipment. Electrophoresis can then be used to view the sequence. The DNA template is duplicated via PCR and cell-based DNA replication. The polymerase chain reaction is known as PCR. Finding genetic material from a specific creature, such as a virus, is the goal of the test. If so, the test will show whether you are currently infected with a virus.

When only one primer is used, the process is known as asymmetric PCR. Because only one new copy is made per cycle and only one strand of the double-stranded DNA will be amplified, exponential amplification is not conceivable.