If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

Polymerase chain reaction

Problem

The denaturation step of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) involves heating the reaction mixture to 95°C.
Why does this step involve such a high temperature?
Choose 1 answer: