Taq DNA Polymerase

For standard and specialized PCR applications

S_1278_9_LS_OEM_Enzyme_Taq_DNA_Polymerase_250
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 DNA Polymerase (250 U)

Cat. No. / ID:  201203

250 units Taq DNA Polymerase, 10x PCR Buffer, 10x CoralLoad PCR Buffer, 5x Q-Solution, 25 mM MgCl2
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Quantity
250 U
1000 U
5000 U
25,000 U
The Taq DNA Polymerase 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 DNA Polymerase is supplied with the unique QIAGEN PCR Buffer that minimizes the need for optimization of PCR parameters, as well as 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 also provided, enabling immediate loading of PCR products.

Performance

Taq DNA Polymerase outperformed kits tested from other suppliers and delivers robust PCR performance in a wide range of PCR conditions, without the need for time-consuming optimization (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 figure " 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

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

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 figure " Wide annealing temperature window and Tolerance of 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

Taq DNA Polymerase ensures highly specific PCR for a range of applications — with minimal optimization of PCR parameters. The streamlined, easy-to-follow protocol provided with the kit simplifies PCR setup. For added convenience and easier handling, CoralLoad PCR Buffer is provided. PCR products can be directly loaded onto a gel without the addition of a loading dye. To ensure success with GC-rich templates, the PCR enhancer Q-Solution is included.

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
dNTP's includedNo
Real-time or endpointEndpoint
Reaction typePCR amplification
Single or multiplexSingle
With/without hotstartWithout hotstart
Enzyme activity5' -> 3' exonuclease activity
MastermixNo
Sample/target typeGenomic DNA and cDNA

Resources

Brochures & Guides (3)
Second edition — innovative tools
Addressing critical factors and new solutions
Quick-Start Protocols (1)
Supplementary Protocols (1)
Kit Handbooks (1)
For standard and specialized PCR applications with minimal optimization
Certificates of Analysis (1)

Publications

Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the eutopic endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis.
Collette T; Maheux R; Mailloux J; Akoum A;
Hum Reprod; 2006; 21 (12):3059-67 2006 Jul 31 PMID:16880228
Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-encoded vFLIP and vIRF1 regulate antigen presentation in lymphatic endothelial cells.
Lagos D; Trotter MW; Vart RJ; Wang HW; Matthews NC; Hansen A; Flore O; Gotch F; Boshoff C;
Blood; 2006; 109 (4):1550-8 2006 Oct 17 PMID:17047149
Progesterone receptor polymorphism +331G/A is associated with a decreased risk of deep infiltrating endometriosis.
van Kaam KJ; Romano A; Schouten JP; Dunselman GA; Groothuis PG;
Hum Reprod; 2006; 22 (1):129-35 2006 Aug 18 PMID:16920727
Haplotype analysis of the DQA genes in sheep: evidence supporting recombination between the loci.
Hickford JG; Zhou H; Fang Q;
J Anim Sci; 2006; 85 (3):577-82 2006 Nov 22 PMID:17121973
Role of RelGsu in stress response and Fe(III) reduction in Geobacter sulfurreducens.
DiDonato LN; Sullivan SA; Methé BA; Nevin KP; England R; Lovley DR;
J Bacteriol; 2006; 188 (24):8469-78 2006 Oct 13 PMID:17041036

FAQ

How is "Touchdown PCR" used to increase PCR specificity?

Touchdown PCR uses a cycling program with varying annealing temperatures. It is a useful method to increase the specificity of PCR. The annealing temperature in the initial cycle should be 5–10°C above the Tm of the primers. In subsequent cycles, the annealing temperature is decreased in steps of 1–2°C/cycle until a temperature is reached that is equal to, or 2–5°C below, the Tm of the primers. Touchdown PCR enhances the specificity of the initial primer–template duplex formation and hence the specificity of the final PCR product.

To program your thermal cycler for touchdown PCR, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. For additional hints and tips for successful PCR, review the Appendix Sections in our PCR Kit handbooks, and our Brochures and Application Guides for PCR and RT-PCR.

FAQ ID -75
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
Why do I get smeared PCR products?

Please see the following factors that can contribute to unspecific, smeared PCR products, and suggestions how to avoid it:

  • too much starting template

    Check the concentration of the starting template. Make serial dilutions of template nucleic acid from stock solutions. Perform PCR using these serial dilutions.
  • carry-over contamination

    If the negative-control PCR (without template DNA) shows a PCR product or a smear, exchange all reagents. Use disposable pipet tips containing hydrophobic filters to minimize cross-contamination. Set up all reaction mixtures in an area separate from that used for DNA preparation or PCR product analysis.
  • enzyme concentration too high

    When using HotStarTaq or Taq DNA Polymerase, use 2.5 units per 100 µl reaction.
  • too many PCR cycles

    Reduce the number of cycles in steps of 3 cycles.
  • Mg2+ concentration not optimal

    Perform PCR with different final concentrations of Mg2+ from 1.5–5.0 mM (in 0.5 mM steps) using the 25 mM MgCl2 solution provided (see table below):

Final Mg2+ concentration in reaction (mM) 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
Required volume of 25 mM MgCl2 per reaction (ul) 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

 

For additional information on optimization of PCR results, please refer to the Appendix sections of the Taq PCR and HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase Handbook, and our comprehensive Brochure Critical Factors for Successful PCR.

FAQ ID -87
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 CoralLoad dyes supplied in various QIAGEN PCR Kits interfere with downstream applications?

CoralLoad dyes supplied in PCR Kits such as, e.g., Taq, HotStarTaq, and TopTaq DNA Polymerase and TopTaq Master Mix do not interfere with most downstream enzymatic applications.

However, for reproducible results, purification of PCR products using the QIAquick or MinElute PCR Purification Kits prior to enzymatic manipulation is recommended.

 

 

FAQ ID -1745
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 can I avoid primer-dimer formation during PCR amplification?
Prerequisites for avoiding primer-dimer formation during PCR include the design of optimal primer pairs, and the use of appropriate primer concentrations. Complementarity of two or three bases at the 3' ends of primer pairs and complementary sequences within a primer sequence and between the primer pair should be avoided. Reduce the primer concentration to the lowest amount at which product amplification can be achieved by conducting test runs with primer concentration gradients.
FAQ ID -544
How can I tell if I have primer-dimers in my PCR reaction?
In quantitative (real-time) PCR, primer-dimers will appear as a peak with a Tm lower than the Tm of the specific product. This peak will also appear in the no-template control (NTC). In non-quantitative endpoint PCR, primer dimer will appear as a more or less faint smear on an agarose gel, below the product band of interest.
FAQ ID -552
What makes QIAGEN's 10x Taq and HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase PCR buffer superior?
The QIAGEN 10x Taq and HotStarTaq DNA Polymerase PCR buffer contains a uniquely balanced combination of KCl and (NH4)2SO4. It provides stringent primer-annealing conditions over a wider range of annealing temperatures and Mg2+ concentrations than conventional PCR buffers.
FAQ ID -566
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 fidelity of TopTaq DNA Polymerase?

The error rate of TopTaq DNA Polymerase is very similar to that of standard Taq DNA Polymerase: approximately 2-3x 10e-5 (per base, per cycle).

 

 

 

 

FAQ ID -1739
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
What is the largest PCR amplicon that can be amplified with the HotStar HiFidelity Polymerase Kit?

In QIAGEN labs, we have amplified PCR products up to 5 kb from complex genomic DNA, and up to 10 kb from less complex lambda phage DNA with the HotStar HiFidelity Polymerase Kit, following standard protocols in the HotStar HiFidelity PCR Handbook.

For targets larger than 5 kb of complex genomic DNA, and larger than 10 kb of less complex DNA, we recommend to follow the protocol 'Amplification of Long PCR Products' in the HotStar HiFidelity PCR Handbook. The protocol uses a mixture of HotStar HiFidelity DNA Polymerase and Taq, or HotStar Taq Plus DNA Polymerase, and allows much longer fragments to be generated. In-house we have tested fragments up to 13 kb from complex genomic DNA or up to 30 kb from less complex lambda phage DNA using this protocol.

 

 

FAQ ID -1047
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