The source of Taq polymerase used in PCR is a :

Options

A. thermophilic fungus
B. mesophilic fungus
C. thermophilic bacterium
D. halophilic bacterium

Answer

To solve the question regarding the source of Taq polymerase used in PCR, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Taq Polymerase**:
- Taq polymerase is an enzyme that is crucial for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It is a type of DNA polymerase that synthesizes new strands of DNA.

2. **Recognize the Importance of Heat Stability**:
- One of the key features of Taq polymerase is its heat stability. During PCR, the reaction involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling. Taq polymerase can withstand high temperatures, which is essential for denaturing the DNA strands.

3. **Identify the Source of Taq Polymerase**:
- Taq polymerase is derived from a specific organism that thrives in high-temperature environments. This organism is known as a thermophilic bacterium.

4. **Evaluate the Options Given**:
- The options provided are:
- A) Thermophilic fungus
- B) Mesophilic fungus
- C) Thermophilic bacteria
- D) Halophilic bacterium
- Among these, the correct source of Taq polymerase is option C: thermophilic bacteria.

5. **Conclude the Answer**:
- Therefore, the source of Taq polymerase used in PCR is a thermophilic bacterium.

### Final Answer:
The source of Taq polymerase used in PCR is a **thermophilic bacterium**.

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