What is the Difference Between Taq and Pfu Polymerase?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Taq and Pfu polymerases are two major enzymes used in DNA replication and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). The key differences between Taq and Pfu polymerase are:
- Origin: Taq polymerase is named after the bacterium Thermus aquaticus, while Pfu polymerase is named after the archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus.
- DNA Polymerase Family: Taq polymerase belongs to family A, while Pfu polymerase belongs to family B.
- Exonuclease Proofreading Activity: Taq polymerase possesses 5'-3' exonuclease proofreading activity, which helps in DNA proofreading and damage repair. Pfu polymerase, on the other hand, possesses 3'-5' exonuclease proofreading activity, resulting in PCR fragments with fewer errors than Taq-generated fragments.
- Speed: Taq polymerase is faster than Pfu polymerase, which is slower and requires around one to two minutes per cycle for amplification at 72°C.
- Thermostability: Both Taq and Pfu polymerases are thermostable enzymes, meaning they can withstand high temperatures during PCR.
- Organism: Both enzymes are isolated from prokaryotic organisms.
In summary, Taq and Pfu polymerases differ in their origin, DNA polymerase family, proofreading activity, speed, and the specific organism they are isolated from. Taq polymerase is known for its speed, while Pfu polymerase is known for its accuracy. Combining both enzymes can provide the best of both worlds, offering Taq's speed with Pfu's fidelity.
Comparative Table: Taq vs Pfu Polymerase
Here is a table comparing the differences between Taq and Pfu polymerase:
| Feature | Taq Polymerase | Pfu Polymerase |
|---|---|---|
| Exonuclease Proofreading Activity | 5'-3' | 3'-5' |
| Family | Family A | Family B |
| Optimal Temperature | 72°C | -- |
| Enzyme Source | Thermus aquaticus | Pyrococcus furiosus |
| Best Suited For | Routine PCR, Colony PCR, Fast PCR, Routine PCR | High-fidelity PCR, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, template generation for sequencing, genotyping, multiplex PCR |
Taq polymerase is a member of family A and possesses 5'-3' exonuclease proofreading activity. It is found in the bacterium Thermus aquaticus and is best suited for routine PCR, colony PCR, and Fast PCR applications. On the other hand, Pfu polymerase is a member of family B and possesses 3'-5' exonuclease proofreading activity. It is found in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus and is best suited for high-fidelity PCR, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, template generation for sequencing, genotyping, and multiplex PCR applications.
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