Question

DNA polymerase required for synthesizing copies of DNA at high temperature is obtained from

• A. Thermus aquaticus
• B. Cephalosporium minimum
• C. Bacillus megaterium
• D. Thermoproteus species

Answer 1

The correct option is A Thermus aquaticus

A. Thermus aquaticus is a thermophilic bacteria which survives at high temperatures. Thus it's DNA polymerase is evolved to synthesize DNA at high temperature. This DNA polymerase is commercially available as "Taq polymerase" and is used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

B. Cephalosporium minimum is a plant pathogen and are producers of antibiotic cephalosporin.

C. Bacillus megaterium is a soil bacteria whose DNA polymerase is not thermo resistant. Hence it cannot synthesize DNA at high temperatures.

D. Thermoproteus species are sulphur utilizing hyperthermophiles which grow is acidic hot springs. Such bacteria are difficult to grow in lab conditions. Although its DNA polymerase can synthesize DNA at high temperatures, due to inability to grow in lab conditions, its DNA polymerase cannot be obtained.

Hence the correct answer is 'Thermus aquaticus'