Question

Magnesium phosphate formation in polymerase chain reaction

Answer 1

Answer:

Role of MgCl2 in PCR reaction: Mg+ ions bind to the catalytic site of the enzyme and increase its power to perform the reaction. ... The Mg2+ ions of MgCl2 bind to the PO3– of DNA backbone temporarily and protects the negatively charged phosphate of DNA backbone by decreasing electrostatic repulsion between DNA strands.

Answer 2

Explanation:

MgCl2 is a cofactor for Taq enzyme and act as a catalyst. It has been reported that increasing the concentration of Mg++ increases the activity of Taq DNA polymerase but at the deprivation of specificity. On the other hand the lesser concentration of Mg++ will lowers the Taq's activity but increases its specificity.