MODEL
PCR: small changes compound
Control cycles, template and amplification efficiency.
Model
Compare 80% and 100% efficiency after twenty cycles. Explain why a small per-cycle difference compounds.
Expected target copies1,048,576
N = N₀ × (1 + efficiency)ᶜ. At perfect efficiency each cycle doubles the target. The cycle separates strands, anneals primers and extends new DNA.
Ideal exponential phase. Real reactions plateau as reagents become limiting; this is not a laboratory-yield forecast.
Explain what you observed
How can you isolate the effect of one factor?
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Read a related learning guide →Practise Biotechnology →Open the student notes folder ↗Concepts and sources
Chapter extension: selected concepts, not complete syllabus coverage.
Read the supporting source ↗PMDC curriculum ↗Questions and explanations are original teaching material; these are not official exam questions.