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PCR Kits & Reagents
Ready-to-use PCR kits and master mixes for endpoint PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, and reverse-transcription PCR. Hot-start polymerases, SYBR and probe-based detection.
qPCR & RT
Kit Types
2X
Master Mix Format
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Complete kits or standalone master mixes?
Choose a full kit with primers and controls, or a master mix to pair with your own assay design.
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PCR Reagent Selection Guide
PCR kits include everything needed for a specific application: polymerase master mix, primers, positive and negative controls, and optimized protocols. They are the fastest path from sample to result for common assays. Master mixes are 2X concentrated formulations containing Taq or hot-start polymerase, dNTPs, buffer, and MgCl2 in a single tube. Just add your template, primers, and water. Master mixes give you the flexibility to design custom assays while minimizing pipetting steps and reducing the risk of contamination. We carry SYBR Green-based mixes for melt-curve analysis and probe-based mixes for multiplex TaqMan assays.
REAGENT COMPARISON
SYBR Green vs. probe-based qPCR
| Feature | SYBR Green Master Mix | Probe-Based (TaqMan) Master Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Chemistry | Intercalating dye (binds dsDNA) | Hydrolysis probe (sequence-specific) |
| Specificity | Detects all dsDNA (including primer-dimers) | Highly specific (probe must hybridize) |
| Multiplexing | No (single target per well) | Yes (2-5 targets per well with different dyes) |
| Melt Curve Analysis | Yes (validates amplicon specificity) | No (not applicable) |
| Cost per Reaction | Lower (no probe cost) | Higher (custom probe required) |
| Best For | Gene expression, new assay validation, screening | Diagnostic assays, multiplexing, SNP genotyping |
💡Hot-Start vs. Standard Polymerase
Hot-start polymerases are chemically modified or antibody-inhibited to remain inactive at room temperature, preventing nonspecific amplification and primer-dimer formation during reaction setup. They activate during the initial denaturation step (95C, 2-10 min). Use hot-start for all qPCR, multiplex PCR, and low-copy-number targets. Standard Taq is active at room temperature and is fine for simple, high-copy endpoint PCR where specificity is less critical. All of our master mixes use hot-start formulations.
COMMON QUESTIONS
PCR Kits & Reagents FAQ
A PCR kit is a complete, application-specific package that includes master mix, primers (and sometimes probes), positive control template, and an optimized protocol. Kits are ready-to-run for specific targets. A master mix is just the enzyme/buffer/dNTP formulation - you supply your own primers, probes, and template. Master mixes give flexibility for custom assays but require more optimization.
Store 2X master mixes at -20C for long-term storage (12+ months). Most formulations tolerate 4C for up to 1-2 weeks for active use. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles - aliquot into smaller volumes if you will not use the entire tube within a few experiments. Our master mixes contain glycerol to prevent freezing damage and remain liquid at -20C for easy pipetting.
We carry master mixes with and without ROX passive reference dye. Applied Biosystems / QuantStudio instruments require ROX for well-to-well fluorescence normalization. Bio-Rad CFX and Roche LightCycler systems do not use ROX. Check your instrument requirements and select the appropriate formulation.
No. Standard SYBR Green master mixes contain DNA polymerase only. For RT-qPCR (starting from RNA), you need a one-step RT-qPCR kit that includes both reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerase, or use a two-step approach where you first synthesize cDNA with a separate RT kit, then run qPCR with the SYBR master mix. We carry both one-step and two-step options.
Developing a new qPCR assay?
Our molecular biology team can help you choose the right master mix, optimize reaction conditions, and troubleshoot amplification issues.