Write laboratory report deeply and clearly the following topic:

Question

Title 1: Understanding polymerase chain reaction(PCR) machine settings
Within introduction, objective, materials used, procedures, results, discussion, conclusion, recommendations, reference

Answer 1

Title: Understanding Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Machine Settings

Introduction:
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a commonly used technique in molecular biology to amplify a single copy or a few copies of a specific DNA sequence. PCR machines are used to automate the process and control various parameters to optimize the PCR reaction. Understanding the different settings on a PCR machine is essential for successful amplification of DNA.

Objective:
To understand the different settings on a PCR machine and their effects on the PCR reaction.

Materials Used:
- PCR machine
- PCR reaction mix
- DNA template
- Primers
- Nucleotides
- DNA polymerase
- PCR tubes
- Microcentrifuge

Procedures:
1. Set up the PCR reaction mix according to the protocol.
2. Add the DNA template, primers, nucleotides, and DNA polymerase to the reaction mix.
3. Load the PCR tubes into the PCR machine.
4. Set the desired temperature for the denaturation, annealing, and extension steps.
5. Set the number of cycles for the PCR reaction.

Results:
The PCR machine successfully amplified the target DNA sequence. The temperature settings for denaturation, annealing, and extension were crucial for the success of the PCR reaction. The number of cycles also affected the amplification efficiency.

Discussion:
The denaturation temperature is typically set between 94-98°C to separate the DNA strands. The annealing temperature is set based on the melting temperature of the primers, and the extension temperature is usually around 72°C for optimal DNA polymerase activity. The number of cycles can be adjusted based on the starting DNA concentration and the desired level of amplification.

Conclusion:
Understanding the different settings on a PCR machine is essential for successful DNA amplification. Proper optimization of the temperature settings and the number of cycles can improve the efficiency and specificity of the PCR reaction.

Recommendations:
It is recommended to optimize the PCR machine settings for each specific PCR reaction. Testing different temperatures and cycle numbers can help determine the optimal conditions for amplification.

Reference:
Mullis, K., & Faloona, F. (1987). Specific synthesis of DNA in vitro via a polymerase-catalyzed chain reaction. Methods in Enzymology, 155, 335-350.