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QuestionBiology

What are the three major steps in PCR, and at what temperatures do they occur?
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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem by breaking down the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) steps with precise details:

Step 2:
: Denaturation

- Temperature: $$94-96^{\circ}C
- Purpose: Separate double-stranded DNA into single strands - Process: High heat breaks hydrogen bonds between DNA base pairs - Result: DNA molecules become single-stranded, allowing primers to access template

Step 3:
: Annealing

- Temperature: $$50-65^{\circ}C
- Purpose: Allow primers to bind to complementary DNA sequences - Process: Cooling enables short DNA primers to attach to single-stranded template - Result: Primers provide starting point for DNA replication

Step 4:
: Extension (Elongation)

- Temperature: $$72^{\circ}C
- Purpose: DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strand - Process: Enzyme adds complementary nucleotides to primer's 3' end - Result: New DNA strands are created, doubling original DNA template

Final Answer

1. Denaturation (94 - 96^{\circ}C) 2. Annealing (50 - 65^{\circ}C) 3. Extension (72^{\circ}C)