dNTPs in PCR

[dspete at helix.nih.gov]

>   While trouble-shooting a PCR rxn, we accidentally
> added 8 times too much dNTPs (all four).  This seemed
> to inhibit the rxn.  Is this likely, or did we do
> something else wrong?                 
> Thanks,                  
> pat                

It's quite likely that 8X dNTPs would affect the reaction. The excess dNTPs 
have essentially chelated all available Mg2+ in the reaction and like all 
polymerases, TAQ needs it's Mg2+.

David Peterson
Laboratory of Malaria Research
NIH