The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Protocol That Is Currently Used

Multiple Choice

The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) protocol that is currently used in laboratories was facilitated by the discovery of a bacterium called Thermus aquaticus in a hot spring inside Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming. This organism contains a heat-stable form of DNA polymerase known as Taq polymerase, which continues to function even after it has been heated to 95^oC. Why would such a heat-stable polymerase be beneficial in PCR?

A) Each cycle includes a "hot" saturation phase (95°C) , which allows the primers to anneal to the target DNA.
B) Each cycle includes a "hot" denaturation phase (95°C) , which serves to sterilize the culture.
C) Each cycle includes a "hot" denaturation phase (95°C) , which activates the Taq polymerase.
D) Each cycle includes a "hot" denaturation phase (95°C) , which separates the hydrogen bonds that hold the strands of the template DNA together.
E) More than one of the above are correct.