Taq PCR Core Kit

For standard and specialized PCR applications, includes dNTP mix

S_1279_7_LS_OEM_Taq_PCR_Core_Kit_1000
Need bulk, customized or optimized products for commercial purposes? We also offer support with logistics, compliance and more. Reach out to cooperate with QIAGEN Strategic Partnerships & OEM

Taq PCR Core Kit (1000 U)

Cat. No. / ID:   201225

4 x 250 units Taq DNA Polymerase, 10x PCR Buffer, 10x CoralLoad PCR Buffer, 5x Q-Solution, 25 mM MgCl2, dNTP Mix
Quantity
1000 U
250 U
The Taq PCR Core Kit is intended for molecular biology applications. This product is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.
Need bulk, customized or optimized products for commercial purposes? We also offer support with logistics, compliance and more. Reach out to cooperate with QIAGEN Strategic Partnerships & OEM

Features

  • QIAGEN PCR Buffer for minimal optimization
  • Additional ready-to-load PCR buffer for faster handling
  • Q-Solution for amplification of GC-rich templates
  • Choice of formats for convenience and ease of handling

Product Details

Taq PCR Core Kit is provided in a complete kit format comprising, Taq DNA Polymerase, the unique QIAGEN PCR Buffer that minimizes the requirement for optimization, as well as a dNTP mix. Also provided is Q-Solution, a novel additive that enables efficient amplification of "difficult" (e.g., GC rich) templates. In addition, CoralLoad PCR Buffer (containing two gel-tracking dyes) is included, enabling immediate loading of PCR products.

Performance

The Taq PCR Core Kit outperformed kits tested from other suppliers and delivers robust PCR performance in a wide range of PCR applications — without the need for time-consuming optimization. The kit includes Taq DNA Polymerase, a high-quality recombinant enzyme that is suitable for general and specialized PCR applications (see figures " Tolerance of different primer Tm Values" and " Specific amplification of long PCR products"). Every lot of Taq DNA Polymerase is subjected to a comprehensive range of quality control tests, including a stringent PCR specificity and reproducibility assay in which low-copy targets are amplified from human genomic DNA (see figure " Lot-to-lot reproducibility"). The unique formulation of QIAGEN PCR Buffer and CoralLoad PCR Buffer, also provided with the kit, enable highly specific PCR in a variety of PCR conditions with minimal optimization requirements (see figures " Wide annealing-temperature window" and " Tolerance to variable magnesium concentration"). In addition, CoralLoad PCR Buffer enables immediate loading of PCR products onto an agarose gel for even easier handling and faster results. Suboptimal PCR can be improved using Q-Solution, a PCR additive, also provided with the kit (see figure " Amplification of difficult templates").

Taq DNA Polymerase specifications

Concentration: 5 units/µl
Recombinant enzyme: Yes
Substrate analogs: dNTP, ddNTP, dUTP, biotin-11-dUTP, DIG-11-dUTP, fluorescent-dNTP/ddNTP
Extension rate: 2–4 kb/min at 72°C
Half-life: 10 min at 97°C; 60 min at 94°C
Amplification efficiency: ≥105 fold
5'–>3' exonuclease activity: Yes
Extra A addition: Yes
3'–>5' exonuclease activity: No
Contaminating nucleases: No
Contaminating RNases: No
Contaminating proteases: No
Self-priming activity: No >

 

See figures

Principle

The Taq PCR Core Kit includes everything required for convenient and reliable PCR —Taq DNA Polymerase, QIAGEN PCR Buffer, CoralLoad PCR Buffer, Q-Solution, dNTP Mix, and MgCl2.
Taq DNA Polymerase

Taq DNA Polymerase is a high-quality recombinant enzyme that is suitable for general and specialized PCR applications (see figures " Tolerance of different primer Tm values" and " Specific amplification of long PCR products").

QIAGEN PCR Buffer

The innovative QIAGEN PCR Buffer has been developed to save time and effort by reducing the need for PCR optimization. QIAGEN PCR Buffer contains both KCl and (NH4)2SO4 (see figure " Increased specificity of primer annealing"). This unique buffer facilitates the amplification of specific PCR products. During the annealing step of every PCR cycle, the buffer allows a high ratio of specific-to-nonspecific primer binding. Owing to a uniquely balanced combination of KCl and (NH4)2SO4, the PCR buffer provides stringent primer-annealing conditions over a wider range of annealing temperatures and Mg2+ concentrations than conventional PCR buffers. Optimization of PCR by varying the annealing temperature or the Mg2+ concentration is dramatically reduced and often not required (see figures " Wide annealing temperature window" and " Tolerance to variable magnesium concentration").

CoralLoad PCR Buffer

CoralLoad PCR Buffer has all the advantages of QIAGEN PCR Buffer. In addition, it can also be used to directly load the PCR reaction onto an agarose gel — separate addition of a gel loading buffer is not required. CoralLoad PCR Buffer provides the same high PCR specificity and minimal reaction optimization as the conventional QIAGEN PCR Buffer. Additionally, it contains two marker dyes — an orange dye and a red dye — that facilitate estimation of DNA migration distance and optimization of agarose gel run time (see figure " CoralLoad PCR Buffer"). The buffer ensures improved pipetting visibility and enables direct loading of PCR products onto a gel, for enhanced convenience.

Q-Solution

Q-Solution facilitates amplification of GC-rich templates or templates with a high degree of secondary structure by modifying the melting behavior of DNA. Use of this unique reagent often enables or improves suboptimal PCR (see figure " Amplification of difficult templates"). Unlike DMSO and other PCR additives, Q-Solution is used at a defined working concentration with any primer–template system and is not toxic.

See figures

Procedure

The Taq PCR Core Kit provides all the components required to set up a PCR and can be used for a multitude of PCR-based applications. The optimized, easy-to-follow, streamlined protocol provided with the kit ensures successful PCR results. Suboptimal PCR is simplified with Q-Solution, a unique PCR additive, also included with the kit.

Applications

Taq DNA Polymerase is used for standard and specialized applications, including:

  • General PCR
  • RT-PCR
  • Screening
  • PCR-based DNA fingerprinting (VNTR, STR, and RAPD)

Supporting data and figures

Specifications

FeaturesSpecifications
ApplicationsPCR, RT-PCR, DNA fingerprinting
Sample/target typeGenomic DNA and cDNA
Real-time or endpointEndpoint
dNTP's includedYes
Single or multiplexSingle
Reaction typePCR amplification
MastermixNo
With/without hotstartWithout hotstart
Enzyme activity5' -> 3' exonuclease activity

Resources

Brochures & Guides (4)
Second edition — innovative tools
PCR 実験における重要項目と新技術
Addressing critical factors and new solutions
Quick-Start Protocols (1)
Safety Data Sheets (1)
Kit Handbooks (1)
For standard and specialized PCR applications with minimal optimization
Certificates of Analysis (1)

Publications

Combined real-time PCR and rpoB gene pyrosequencing for rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and determination of rifampin resistance directly in clinical specimens.
Halse TA; Edwards J; Cunningham PL; Wolfgang WJ; Dumas NB; Escuyer VE; Musser KA;
J Clin Microbiol; 2010; 48 (4):1182-8 2010 Jan 27 PMID:20107097
Expression of calcium channels along the differentiation of cultured trophoblast cells from human term placenta.
Moreau R; Hamel A; Daoud G; Simoneau L; Lafond J;
Biol Reprod; 2002; 67 (5):1473-9 2002 Nov PMID:12390878
An immune evasion mechanism for spirochetal persistence in Lyme borreliosis.
Liang FT; Jacobs MB; Bowers LC; Philipp MT;
J Exp Med; 2002; 195 (4):415-22 2002 Feb 18 PMID:11854355

FAQ

What should the starting template DNA quality and quantity be for PCR?

Both the quality and quantity of nucleic acid starting template affect PCR, in particular the sensitivity and efficiency of amplification. PCR sensitivity and efficiency can be reduced by the presence of impurities in nucleic acid preparations or in biological samples. These PCR inhibitors are completely removed when template is prepared using QIAGEN Kits for nucleic acid purification. Please refer to the Brochure "Maximizing PCR and RT-PCR success" for additional information.

The optimal primer–template ratio has to be determined empirically. If too little template is used, primers may not be able to find their complementary sequences. Too much template may lead to an increase in mispriming events. Generally, no more than 1 ug of template DNA should be used per PCR reaction. As an initial guide, spectrophotometric and molar conversion values for different nucleic acid templates are listed below.

 

Spectrophotometric conversions for nucleic acid templates

1 A260 unit* Concentration (ug/ml)
Double-stranded DNA 50
Single-stranded DNA 33
Single-stranded RNA 40

*Absorbance at 260 nm = 1

 

Molar conversions for nucleic acid templates

Nucleic Acid Size pmol/ug Molecules/ug
1 kb DNA 1000 bp 1.52 9.1 x 1011
pUC 19 DNA 2686 bp 0.57 3.4 x 1011
pTZ18R DNA 2870 bp 0.54 3.2 x 1011
pBluescript II DNA 2961 bp 0.52 3.1 x 1011
Lambda DNA 48,502 bp 0.03 1.8 x 1010
Average mRNA 1930 nt 1.67 1.0 x 1012
Genomic DNA      
Escherichia coli 4.7 x 106* 3.0 x 10-4 1.8 x 108**
Drosophila melanogaster 1.4 x 108* 1.1 x 10-5 6.6 x 105**
Mus musculus (mouse) 2.7 x 109* 5.7 x 10-7 3.4 x 105**
Homo sapiens (human) 3.3 x 109* 4.7 x 10-7 2.8 x 105**

* Base pairs per haploid genome

** For single-copy genes

FAQ ID -74
What kind of PCR products can be cloned with the QIAGEN PCR Cloning Kit?

PCR products that will be cloned using the QIAGEN PCR Cloning Kit should be generated using a thermostable DNA Polymerase without proofreading activity, such as Taq DNA Polymerase. Such polymerases attach a single A overhang to their reaction products, which can hybridize to the U overhang of the pDrive Cloning Vector. For efficient addition of an A overhang during the PCR procedure, we recommend a final extension step for 10 min at 72°C as described in the standard protocols of the Taq PCR- and HotStarTaq PCR handbook.


 

FAQ ID -165
Does QIAGEN sell Q-Solution separately?
No, we do not sell Q-Solution separately. It is available only as a component of the Taq DNA Polymerase, Taq PCR Core, HotStarTaq DNA PolymeraseQIAGEN Multiplex PCR-, and the QIAGEN OneStep RT-PCR Kits.
FAQ ID -204
Do you have a protocol for polyacrylamide gel analysis of oligonucleotides?
Yes, please follow the Supplementary Protocol 'Polyacrylamide_gel_analysis_of_oligonucleotides' (PCR03).
FAQ ID -961
Can Taq DNA Polymerase use RNA as a template, and generate false positives in "no-RT" controls?
Taq DNA Polymerase has an intrinsic RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity (reverse transcriptase activity). However, this activity is very low and is only present under buffer conditions that are completely different from those present during PCR. Therefore, "no-RT" controls would not give false positive results due to reverse transcription activity of the Taq polymerase.
FAQ ID -523
Is Q-Solution required for PCR with QIAGEN's PCR kits?

Not necessarily. In a lot of cases, the uniquely formulated PCR Buffer provided in the HotStarTag Plus DNA Polymerase, HotStar HiFidelity Polymerase,  Taq DNA Polymerase, HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase, and QIAGEN Multiplex PCR Kits provides optimal amplification of specific PCR products. The usefulness of Q-Solution needs to be determined empirically for each primer/template setup, by running parallel PCR reactions with and without Q-Solution under the same cycling conditions.

Q-Solution changes the melting behavior of DNA and will often improve a suboptimal PCR caused by templates that have a high degree of secondary structure or high GC-contents.  For more details on the effects of Q-Solution on PCR amplification, please see the Q-Solution sections of the HotStarTaq Plus DNA Polymerase, HotStar HiFidelity Polymerase, Taq DNA Polymerase, HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase,  and the QIAGEN Multiplex PCR Handbooks.

FAQ ID -380
How comparable is CoralLoad gel loading dye contained in various QIAGEN PCR Kits to Sigma Red?

CoralLoad gel tracking dye contained in Taq, HotStarTaq, TopTaq DNA Polymerase and TopTaq Master Mix Kits separates into 2 fragment-size dependent colors (orange and red) when loaded onto an agarose gel. Sigma Red buffer only has one color which is harder to visualize.

 

 

FAQ ID -1644
Have you tested the effect of inhibitors on PCR performance?

Yes. Please see Table 3 in our brochure Maximizing PCR and RT-PCR success. We tested the effects of different inhibitory substances in a number of PCR systems. We also analyzed the effect of including different volumes of reverse transcription (RT) reaction mixtures in PCR. Please see the table below for a list of commonly encountered template impurities and their inhibitory effects on PCR.

 

Impurities showing inhibitory effects on PCR

Substance Inhibitory concentration
SDS >0.005% (w/v)
Phenol >0.2% (v/v)
Ethanol >1% (v/v)
Isopropanol >1% (v/v)
Sodium Acetate ≥5 mM
Sodium Chloride ≥25 nM
EDTA ≥0.5 mM
Hemoglobin ≥1 mg/ml
Heparin ≥0.15 i.U./ml
Urea >20 mM
RT reaction mixture ≥15%

 

 

FAQ ID -818
What is the composition of the QIAGEN 10x PCR Buffer in Taq- and HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase Kits?

QIAGEN's 10x PCR Buffer provided in the Taq DNA Polymerase, Taq PCR Core, and HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase Kits contains:

  • Tris-Cl
  • KCl
  • (NH4)2SO4
  • 15 mM MgCl2 ; at pH 8.7 (20°C).

Note that further details on the composition of the 10x PCR Buffer are proprietary.

FAQ ID -606
How much DNA is obtained in the average PCR reaction?

The DNA yield obtained in a PCR reaction depends on the size of the amplicon, design of the primers, starting amount of template and primers, amplification efficiency, reaction volume, numbers of PCR cycles etc. Therefore it is really difficult to predict what yield to expect. Nevertheless, in our experience, approximately 1 µg is a good guess for most cases.

FAQ ID -750
Can QIAGEN's Taq- and HotstarTaq DNA Polymerases be used for cycle sequencing?
Taq DNA Polymerase and HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase are compatible with cycle sequencing. However, our buffer system is not optimized for this purpose. Optimization of reaction conditions is therefore required when using these Polymerases for cycle sequencing. Unfortunately, we do not have any protocols for this application. An initial activation of the enzyme is necessary if HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase is used.
FAQ ID -741
How can one determine the optimal annealing temperature for a specific PCR assay?

To determine the optimal annealing temperature for a PCR assay, a Temperature Gradient experiment should be performed. To do this, you will set up several PCR reactions in duplicate for the same primer/template combination, using the same PCR chemistry, and subject each of the reactions to a slightly different annealing temperature within a specified range. If a thermal cycler with a temperature gradient function can be used, you can simply program a temperature range for adjacent wells in the cycling block. If no cycler with a gradient function exists in your lab, you will either have to perform duplicate reactions at different temperatures in different machines (if available), or back to back in the same machine.

 

FAQ ID -288