AmpliTaq Gold™ DNA Polymerase, LD (Low DNA) with Gold Buffer and MgCl₂

Both AmpliTaq Gold and Platinum Taq are hot-start enzymes that allow you to set up your reactions on the benchtop without the need for ice. AmpliTaq Gold is a chemically-modified hot-start enzyme, provided in an inactive state. Heat activates the enzyme, with full activity after 10 min at 95 degrees C. Platinum Taq is an antibody-mediated hot-start enzyme. The anti-Taq antibodies bind and inactivate the enzyme, until the heat denaturation step of the PCR reaction (30 sec to 2 min), which activates the enzyme.

A two-temperature PCR is commonly used when the primer annealing temperatures are above 60 degrees C. Use a three-temperature PCR when the templates have high G+C content and/or secondary structure, or desired primer annealing temperatures are below 60 degrees C. Please consult the Product Insert for more information on the use of AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase.

Yes. There is a phosphate group on the 3' end of all TaqMan probes that prevents such extension.

AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase is a modified form of AmpliTaq DNA Polymerase that contains a proprietary chemical (or so-called hot start molecule) bound to the enzyme's active site. In order to activate the AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase fully, we recommend an initial activation step of 95 degrees C for 10 min when using GeneAmp 10X PCR Buffer I and/or GeneAmp 10X PCR Buffer II and Mg in one of our thermal cyclers. When using GeneAmp 10X PCR Gold Buffer, activation time can be reduced to 5 minutes. Once activation is complete, you can proceed with your standard PCR cycling program (denaturing, annealing, extension, etc).

No, AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase does not contain proofreading activity, however fidelity in PCR amplifications utilizing this enzyme may be improved. High fidelity can be achieved by: 1. Decreasing the final concentration of each nucleotide to 40-50 uM. 2. Using the lowest MgCl2 concentration possible. 3. Using less enzyme. 4. Decreasing extension times. 5. Using the highest annealing temperature possible. 6. Using as few cycles as possible.