Which one of the following enzymes is obtained from Thermophilus aquaticus bacterium which is heat stable and use in PCR at high temperature?
**Core Concept:** Thermophilic bacteria, particularly those found in hot springs, have adapted to high temperatures through sophisticated biological mechanisms. One such mechanism is the production of enzymes that can withstand and function optimally at elevated temperatures. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, and the enzyme involved in this process is crucial for its success at high temperatures.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Taq polymerase (DNA polymerase) is the enzyme obtained from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus. This bacterium thrives in hot springs, which exposes it to high temperatures. Consequently, Taq polymerase has evolved to maintain its stability and function efficiently at elevated temperatures, making it an ideal enzyme for PCR applications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. DNA polymerase from E. coli (bacterium) is not heat stable and fails in high-temperature PCR conditions.
B. Human DNA polymerase is not heat stable and also fails in high-temperature PCR conditions.
C. Taq polymerase is indeed obtained from Thermus aquaticus, but DNA polymerase from Bacillus stearothermophilus (bacterium) is a better choice for high-temperature PCR due to its higher thermostability.
D. DNA polymerase from Aquaplastis nigrificus (bacterium) is not heat stable and fails in high-temperature PCR conditions.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact:** The choice of an appropriate DNA polymerase is crucial for the success of high-temperature PCR. Taq polymerase, although correct in this question, isn't the best available option due to Bacillus stearothermophilus polymerase having higher thermostability. However, Taq polymerase is widely used because it is easily available and its role in PCR is well-established. If a more thermostable polymerase is available, it would be the preferred choice for high-temperature PCR.