Reasons for PCR failure

[Susan B. McLeskey]

With regard to wacky PCR suggestions:

One time I was using pfu for PCR and getting the 
lowest yields imaginable. I could barely convince 
myself that a band was there if I loaded the whole
reaction in one lane.  If I lowered the annealing
temperature, I got crap;  If I raised it, I got nothing.
Then, I read the pfu package insert that suggested
using 10 % glycerol or 10 % DMSO. 

Both worked like gangbusters!!

Susan McLeskey