Question

why is DNA primer used in PCR instead of an RNA primer?

Answer 1

Okay ,the most probable answer that I can think up of this:Taq polymerase doesnt act on RNA.

Answer 2

Yeah, @student76, that is correct. For RNA to be used, you would probably need some sort of reverse transcriptase, like the one used in viruses like HIV.
By the way, are you taking MIT 7.00x on edx?

Answer 3

Taq polymerase can use RNA priming synthesis from a DNA template. However, RNA is not as stable as DNA. The cis hydroxyls make RNA susceptible to base and acid hydrolysis. The high temperatures of the heat denaturation (>90 C) would destroy much RNA every cycle. DNA, which lacks the 2' OH does not suffer from this hydrolysis.

Answer 4

Yes, cannon2, your answer is correct...