Mastermix concept - (Feb/14/2005 )
What is the mastermix concept as it applies to assembling enzyme-catalyzed reactions? What are the advantages of using this strategy?
I got these questions from someone. Can anyone please give me the correct answers? 
a mastermix, with respect to PCR, is a reaction solution that contains everything EXCEPT your template and primers.
Its advantage is that it saves time mainly. Well that and it might decrease pipetting errors compared to seperately adding every component in small quantities.
Disadvantages? They are more expensive per reaction than using seperate components, and more difficult to tailor to ones special reaction needs
Its advantage is that it saves time mainly. Well that and it might decrease pipetting errors compared to seperately adding every component in small quantities.
Disadvantages? They are more expensive per reaction than using seperate components, and more difficult to tailor to ones special reaction needs
Thanks for your reply.
snolan is correct. It avoids pipetting errors and makes sure that every reaction is of the same composition.