Long range PCR allows the amplification of PCR products, which are much larger than those achieved with conventional Taq polymerases. Up to 27 kb fragments are possible from good quality genomic DNA. Amplification of long DNA fragments is desirable for numerous applications such as physical mapping applications and direct cloning from genomes.

PCR Master Mix is a premixed, ready-to-use solution containing DNA polymerase, dNTPs, MgCl2 and reaction buffers at optimal concentrations for efficient amplification of DNA templates by PCR

PCR master mix contains allcomponents for PCR, except DNA template and primers :

A DNA polymerase that is heat resistant, so that it can remain intact during the DNA denaturation process and makes the apmlification of the target DNA sequence.

On distingue différents types d'ADN polymérases haute-fidélité dont la Pfu polymérase, une ADN polymérase naturellement fidèle grâce à son activité exonucléase 3'-5' ainsi que des ADN polymérases modifiées pour obtenir des capacités de fidélité supérieures.

Les modifications apportés aux ADN polymérases pour leur apporter une fidélité supérieure sont de différentes natures : modification génétique, modification chimique, mélange de plusieurs enzymes ...

dNTPs consist of four basic nucleotides : dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP. dNTPs are building blocks of new DNA strands. These four nucleotides are typically added to the PCR reaction in equimolar amounts for optimal base incorporation. In common PCR applications, the recommended final concentration of each dNTP is generally 0.2 mM.

Magnesium ion (Mg2+) functions as a cofactor for activity of DNA polymerases by enabling incorporation of dNTPs during polymerization. The magnesium ions at the enzyme's active site catalyze phosphodiester bond formation between the 3′-OH of a primer and the phosphate group of a dNTP. ). In addition, Mg2+ facilitates formation of the complex between the primers and DNA templates by stabilizing negative charges on their phosphate backbones. Magnesium ion (Mg2+) are present in master mix as MgCl2 solution.

PCR is carried out in a buffer that provides a suitable chemical environment for activity of DNA polymerase. Generally a 10-50 mM Tris/HCl buffer with a pH above 8.0 (typically 8.3-8.8). KCl can be added to facilitate primer annealing, but shouldn't be higher than 50 mM as this may inhibit polymerase.