What's the difference between using DNA and RNA polymerase for PCR - (Dec/02/2006 )

Hi guys, I really need help on this question that I'm really stumped on.

Let's say I was running a PCR reaction with newly isolated DNA, but I couldn't find any DNA polymerase. I do have RNA polymerase and decided to use that instead. So if I use rNTPs instead of dNTP's, would the reaction work as well? Explain why or why not.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

-kb24-

I am not sure how to even answer this... this seems unreal.

The answer is no. RNA polymerase is not the same as DNA polymerase.

PCR... Polymerase chain reaction... please look up what this reaction means.

I am shocked... just shocked.

Please look up what RNA and DNA are. Importantly their structure and what they do in a cell.

Also sit back and think what are you going to do with a tube full of RNA?

-perneseblue-

QUOTE (perneseblue @ Dec 2 2006, 02:49 PM)

Thanks! It's one of the questions in my molecular cell class. My professor wants us to think outside the box, and I guess this was definitely one of 'em.

-kb24-