PCR

In PCR, two primers are required for a start and stop sequence to amplify the DNA

strand.

DNA polymerase needs to be stable at high temperatures and hence thermostable enzyme from T. aquaticus is used. The mixture is heated to below 100°C.

DNA polymerase causes synthesis of DNA between two primers

Reverse transcriptase PCR is used to amplify RNA, whilst conventional PCR is used to amplify DNA

Restriction enzymes cut DNA at nucleotide sequences specific to each restriction enzyme. HindIII and EcoRI are examples of restriction enzymes

DNA ligase and polymerase are involved in joining and linking DNA together.

Plasmids are circular molecules of bacterial DNA separate from the bacterial chromosome. They are usually small, consisting of a few thousand base pairs. They carry one of a few genes and have a single origin of replication.