Research the thermophilic prokaryotic organism Thermus aquaticus, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the role of Thermus aquaticus in PCR.

This week you need to watch the brief video on thermophilic organisms below and then do some other stuff (described after the video): Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g80bqHnR08Y

Research the thermophilic prokaryotic organism Thermus aquaticus, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the role of Thermus aquaticus in PCR.

(1) What does DNA polymerase do in our cells (really, in all cells)?

(2) Describe the steps of PCR. What does the DNA polymerase enzyme of this organism (called “Taq polymerase” by scientists) do in the PCR?

(3) What is it about Taq polymerase that has made it useful in PCR? Your answer should focus on why the PCR process works better with heat-tolerant DNA polymerase.

(4) How has PCR revolutionized the field of crime scene forensics?

Your main response should be at least 150 words and include references to all information sources used. Two substantial response posts are also needed. As part of one of your replies search for and share a video, tutorial or web site that helps you and your classmates’ better understand enzymes, especially the DNA polymerase enzyme.

 

 

A. Proteins are the most structurally and functionally diverse class of biological molecules. Explain the basis for this diversity

 

B. Factors Affecting Enzymes (Watch Video and Comment)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no36EgNHg6s

 

C. Here is another camouflage story that of a real fish – enjoy! (Watch video and Comment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuI4ncViU4Y

 

 

 

 

Respond to the postings below:

1. DNA Polymerase is an enzyme that is essential to DNA replication. It creates two new strands of DNA so that when a cell divides, there is a copy of the DNA in each of the two daughter cells. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has three main steps. In the first step, the temperature is raised so the hydrogen bonds break, then the two strands of DNA can be separated. In the seconds step, the temperature is brought down so that a primer can bond to each strand of DNA, a