A polymerase chain reaction begins with one DNA template molecule. Standard primers, Taq polymerase, and dNTPs are present.
Theoretically, how many double-stranded copies of the target sequence are produced after 30 cycles?
- A
Approximately 60
- B
Approximately 2 x 30 = 60
- C
Approximately 30
- Dcheck_circle
Approximately 2^30 (about 1 billion)
Explanation
Each PCR cycle ideally doubles the target DNA. Starting from one molecule, 30 cycles produce <del>2^30 (</del>10^9) copies, illustrating exponential amplification.