Case one: During PCR, Taq polymerase starts copying at any point. the end of the DNA strand. the primers.

Taq polymerase, the superstar enzyme in PCR, knows exactly where to start its copying magic—right at the primers! These short sequences of nucleotides anneal to the template DNA, providing a perfect launchpad for Taq polymerase to begin synthesizing a new strand. Think of it as the starting line for a thrilling race, with the primers marking the exact spot where the DNA replication journey kicks off. In the world of molecular biology, precision is key! One common mistake during PCR is using primers that are too short or not specific enough, which can lead to non-specific amplification. This results in a messy mixture of unwanted DNA products, making it harder to achieve accurate results. To avoid this pitfall, take the time to design well-matched primers that bind only to your target sequences. Happy amplifying!