Taq Concentration

In a PCR experiment approximately 1 unit of the Taq enzyme should be used for a 25μl reaction. Suboptimal concentration of the Taq enzyme can cause incomplete primer elongation or premature termination of the PCR product synthesis during the elongation step of a PCR cycle.

Too much Taq will result in an excessive background of unwanted DNA fragments (a smear on a gel) while a huge excess may cause the reaction to fail with no product being detected. A Taq concentration of 1 unit per 25μl reaction ensures a cleaner product and lower background.

from PCR Troubleshooting: The Essential Guide see also PCR Troubleshooting and Optimization: The Essential Guide

Recommended Reading

	Real-Time PCR: Advanced Technologies and Applications Edited by: Nick A. Saunders and Martin A. Lee Provides both the novice and experienced user with an invaluable reference to a wide-range of real-time PCR technologies and applications and supplies detailed technical insights into the underlying principles, methods and practice of real-time PCR. read more ...
	Real-Time PCR in Food Science: Current Technology and Applications Edited by: David Rodríguez-Lázaro An indispensable manual on real-time PCR for scientists in the food industry and for anyone involved in the detection of foodborne pathogens. read more ...
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	PCR Troubleshooting and Optimization: The Essential Guide Edited by: Suzanne Kennedy and Nick Oswald Control, optimize and troubleshoot PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR, real-time PCR and quantitative PCR. An essential book. "an essential book ... a valuable tool to all those interested in PCR" (Doodys); "an essential guide" Aus. J. Med. Sci. read more ...
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