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Edexcel IAL Biology 6.17 PCR amplification of DNA

State why amplification is needed, order denaturation, annealing and extension with their temperatures and apply cycle number or duration to the requested calculation.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Biology YBI11
Level
A2

Exam points

  • Explain why PCR amplifies a small DNA sample before profiling or analysis.
  • Describe primer annealing and Taq polymerase extension during each PCR cycle.
  • Calculate PCR duration or DNA-copy increase from cycle data with unit conversions.

6.17—PCR amplification of DNA question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Madagascar is a large island off the southeast coast of mainland Africa.
Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar.

Lemurs have been found on another island close to Madagascar.

Scientists have used DNA profiling to show that these lemurs originated from those on Madagascar.

Explain the role of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in DNA profiling.

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