2x PCR mastermix

Using a PCR master-mix saves time and improves PCR reproducibility, especially if many reactions are prepared. For a standard PCR reaction, half of the final volume should be used, for example 25 µL 2x PCR mastermix for a 50 µL PCR reaction. Scale up or down as needed.

ComponentµLstock2xPCR mastermixfinal concentration in PCR reaction
Water16---
Buffer(xC)510x2x1x
MgCl2(mM)250 mM4 mM2 mM
dNTPs(mM)1100.40.2
Taq1100%5.0%2.5%
Total25---

See standard pcr protocol.

1.5x Green PCR mastermix (mastermix with PCR compatible loading buffer)

The 2xPCR mastermix can be combined with a PCR compatible loading buffer such as the in described in the table below. This saves time if you have many samples as they can be loaded directly on a gel. Use 33 µL of the 1.5x Green PCR mastermix for a 50 µL PCR reaction. Scale up or down as needed.

ComponentµL
2x PCR mastermix25
6 x DNA loading buffer (PCR compatible)8
Total33

For MEC lab members:

This google sheet contains the recipe above. Create a new tab named after the date of preparation in ISO 8601 format. Copy paste an old recipe and modify if necessary.

Testing

Since we make our own master mix, we need a standardized test mix. Primers 18 and 19 amplify a 1288 bp PCR product from the DFR1 locus in S. cerevisiae. This PCR reaction is very robust and gives a high yield. We use the following mix where final primer concentration is 0.5 µM:

  • 78 µL H2O
  • 10 µL Primer (10 µM) 19_D-DFR1 GACTCAGACAGGTTGAAAAGAAGAC
  • 10 µL Primer (10 µM) 18_A-DFR1 CAAAGGTTTGGTTTTCAGTTAAGAA
  • 2 µL Chromosomal DNA from S. cerevisiae

Add 5 µL of the test mix to 5 µL of 2x master mix and run the PCR program below: Source

Taq (rate 30 nt/s) 35 cycles             |1288 bp
95.0°C    |95.0°C                 |      |
|_________|_____          72.0°C  |72.0°C|
| 03min00s|30s  \         ________|______|
|         |      \ 55.0°C/ 0min39s| 5min |
|         |       \_____/         |      |
|         |         30s           |      |