Taq polymerase

DNA polymerases are the enzymes responsible for DNA synthesis in living organisms, and therefore they are designed to be functional at physiological conditions. Hence, the DNA polymerase from most organisms would not work well in a PCR reaction because most polymerases degrade at 90^oC. If such a polymerase were to be used for PCR, it would be necessary to add new DNA polymerase after each cycle. Luckily, a thermostable DNA polymerase was discovered by Thomas Brock: the Taq polymerase. This DNA polymerase was isolated from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus found in the hot springs at Yellowstone National Park. The Taq polymerase is active at temperatures up to 95^oC. degrees celsius. This ensures that multiple cycles of PCR can be performed in a single continuous event, and no additional polymerase is required.