Which of the following is required to perform polymerase chain reaction ?

Options

A. a) Primers, `dNTPs` and `DNA` polymerase
B. b) `DNA, CaCI_(2)` and nuclease
C. c) `Mg^(2+), DNA`
D. d) Both (a) and (c)

Answer

To determine which components are required to perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand PCR**: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA. It involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling to denature DNA, anneal primers, and extend new DNA strands.

2. **Identify Requirements for PCR**:
- **Primers**: Short sequences of nucleotides that bind to the target DNA and provide a starting point for DNA synthesis.
- **dNTPs (deoxynucleotide triphosphates)**: The building blocks of DNA, which are incorporated into the new DNA strands during replication.
- **DNA Polymerase**: An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding dNTPs to the growing DNA chain.
- **Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺)**: A cofactor that is essential for the activity of DNA polymerase and helps stabilize the DNA structure.
- **Template DNA**: The specific region of DNA that needs to be amplified.

3. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Option A**: Primers, dNTPs, and DNA polymerase - This option includes three essential components required for PCR.
- **Option B**: DNA, calcium chloride, and nuclease - This option does not include the necessary components for PCR.
- **Option C**: Magnesium ion and DNA - While magnesium is important, this option is incomplete as it lacks primers and dNTPs.
- **Option D**: Both A and C - This option suggests that both A and C are correct.

4. **Conclusion**: Since option A contains the essential components for PCR and option C includes magnesium ions, which are also required, the correct answer is option D (both A and C).

### Final Answer:
**The correct answer is option D: Both A and C.**

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