Myth 1: “High-fidelity polymerases are too expensive”
It's true that the cost per reaction of a high-fidelity polymerase can be higher than that of a conventional Taq polymerase. But what if we look at the total cost of the experiment?
- Fewer repetitions: By drastically reducing replication errors, the need to repeat failed reactions decreases.
- Savings in validation: The products generated have fewer unwanted mutations, which reduces costs in cloning, sequencing and validation.
- Time optimization: The researcher's time is a valuable resource. Avoiding errors means fewer hours spent repeating and resolving problems.
In conclusion, the initial investment in high fidelity can lead to significant savings in the medium and long term. If you're still concerned about the price, check out our Ampliqon high-fidelity polymerase promotion and take advantage of the discount.
Myth 2: “I don’t need that much fidelity for most PCR tests”
It depends on the purpose of your PCR test.
If your only goal is to visualize a fragment of DNA on a gel , a standard polymerase may be sufficient. But if the PCR product is to be cloned, sequenced, expressed, or used in downstream applications , even one error per 10,000 bases can be critical.
A simple mistake can introduce an unwanted mutation that goes unnoticed until advanced stages of the project, when the cost of rectifying it is much higher.
If the PCR product has a subsequent use that is sensitive to errors, high fidelity is an essential guarantee.
Myth 3: “High-fidelity polymerases are difficult to use”
Today, high-fidelity polymerases are designed to be just as easy to use as a conventional Taq:
- They come with optimized buffers and clear protocols.
- They work well in standard cycles and are compatible with rapid PCR and gradients.
- Many versions are robust against inhibitors and variable conditions.
Read our article on common mistakes and how to avoid them when using polymerases.
When is it worth choosing a high-fidelity polymerase?
When your PCR test is the step prior to:
- Cloning
- Sequencing (Sanger or NGS)
- Targeted mutagenesis
- Protein expression
However, you can use conventional Taq if:
- The goal is simply to visualize a fragment in a gel.
- The product will not have error-sensitive subsequent use.
Do you want to know which is the best option for your application?
At Proquinorte, we offer a complete catalog of high-fidelity polymerases from various brands and personalized advice to help you choose the most suitable one. Plus, we now have a 20% discount on polymerases.
Contact us and we'll help you optimize your PCR reactions, avoiding errors and saving costs from the start.
