Molecular Biology | PCR Reagents

Accuris Hot Start Taq DNA Polymerase, 500 Units

Hot-start PCR enzyme designed to improve amplification specificity, reduce non-specific products, and support reproducible DNA amplification.

Product Description

Accuris Hot Start Taq DNA Polymerase is designed for controlled polymerase activity during PCR setup. The enzyme is bound to a monoclonal antibody that inhibits its activity at room temperature. This antibody-mediated hot-start mechanism helps limit unwanted amplification and primer-dimer formation before the reaction reaches its activation temperature.

During thermal cycling, the reaction mixture is heated to approximately 95°C to denature the inhibitory antibody and activate the polymerase. This allows researchers to prepare PCR reactions at room temperature while helping improve amplification specificity and consistency.

The enzyme is intended for molecular biology workflows that require reliable DNA amplification, including applications involving low-copy-number templates, multiplex PCR, and GC-rich DNA targets. Actual performance depends on the template, primer design, reaction composition, and cycling conditions.

Key Features and Benefits

• Antibody-mediated hot start: Restricts polymerase activity during reaction preparation.
• Improved amplification specificity: Helps reduce non-specific amplification caused by premature enzyme activity.
• Low-copy target amplification: Suitable for workflows requiring sensitive detection, subject to assay optimization.
• Multiplex PCR applications: Supports amplification of multiple DNA targets in a single reaction when the assay is appropriately optimized.
• GC-rich DNA templates: Can be used in challenging amplification workflows with suitable primer and cycling conditions.
• Optimized buffer system: Supplied with a 5X buffer according to the product description.

How Hot Start Taq Works

Conventional Taq DNA polymerase can exhibit some activity before the PCR reaction reaches its intended denaturation temperature. This may allow non-specific products to form during reaction setup, particularly when primers bind imperfectly to unintended DNA sequences.

Hot Start Taq addresses this issue through antibody-mediated inhibition. Polymerase activity remains blocked during room-temperature preparation and is restored during the initial high-temperature step. This mechanism helps ensure that DNA amplification begins under the intended thermal cycling conditions.

Applications

• Routine endpoint PCR
• DNA amplification for molecular biology research
• Multiplex PCR assay development
• Amplification of low-copy-number DNA targets
• Research involving GC-rich DNA regions
• Genotyping and DNA fragment analysis
• Preparation of DNA amplicons for downstream research workflows

Application suitability depends on the assay design and the performance specifications confirmed by the manufacturer.

Technical Specifications

For exact reaction conditions, enzyme concentration, buffer composition, activation time, and compatibility, consult the manufacturer's current technical documentation.

Storage and Handling

Store the enzyme at -20°C as indicated in the product specifications. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for handling, aliquoting, storage after opening, and freeze-thaw management. Use appropriate laboratory practices to minimize contamination and maintain PCR performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hot Start Taq DNA polymerase?

Hot Start Taq is a DNA polymerase whose activity is inhibited during reaction setup and activated by heating. This helps limit non-specific amplification before PCR cycling begins.

Why use Hot Start Taq for PCR?

It can improve amplification specificity and reproducibility, particularly in reactions susceptible to non-specific products or primer-dimer formation.

How should Accuris Hot Start Taq be stored?

The listed storage condition is -20°C. Always follow the manufacturer's current product instructions.

Does this product include a 2X Master Mix?

The supplied product description distinguishes the standard enzyme with 5X buffer from separate 2X Master Mix formats. The listed catalog number is for Hot Start Taq, 500 units; confirm the exact package contents before ordering.

Order Accuris Hot Start Taq, 500 Units

Explore a hot-start PCR enzyme for DNA amplification, multiplex PCR, and molecular biology research.

CAT: 0888-PR1000-HS-500