FAQspeak
Is it normal to find both base incorporation errors and base incorporation bias when sequencing PCR products amplified by GoTaq® DNA Polymerase?
GoTaq® amplification products contain Taq DNA polymerase with optimized storage and reaction buffers. Although we have not investigated error rate and bias specifically for our GoTaq® products, the Enzymology Primer for Recombinant DNA Technology (1) has compiled information from primary literature for many enzymes including the estimated error rate for Taq DNA polymerase. Two direct quotes from the book give relevant information on error rate and bias:
"Although the estimates vary depending on reaction conditions, experimental systems, and methods of calculation, single-base substitution errors are estimated to occur at a rate of 1–7 x 10–4 per base pair per cycle..."
"The most common error observed with Taq [polymerase] is a C-to-T transition (50%), followed by a T-to-C (36%)..." "Transversions are rare...A to C (5%), A to T (5%), and C to G (2%)."
- Eun, H.M. (1996) In: Enzymology Primer for Recombinant DNA Technology. Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, 418.
Products may be covered by pending or issued patents or may have certain limitations on use. Please visit our patent and trademark web page for more information.