Taq DNA Polymerase

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 T_m 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

Taq DNA Polymerase is a high-quality recombinant enzyme that is suitable for general and specialized PCR applications (see figures "Tolerance of different primer T_m 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 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.

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.

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

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