What are the differences between Taq polymerase and DNA polymerase?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Taq polymerase

DNA polymerase

Definition

Is a thermostable DNA polymerase extracted from thermophiles that creates DNA

Is an enzyme that facilitates DNA replication in the form of nucleic acid molecules

Occurs naturally in

Thermophilic bacteria Thermus aquaticus

Prokaryotic organisms

Optimal temperature

72°C

37°C

High temperatures

Active and does not degrade at high temperatures

Not active at high temperatures because of degradation

Processivity

Adds 2–4 kilobases / minute

Adds ~15-20 nucleotides/ second

Application

Used in PCR

Used to synthesize DNA in prokaryotic cells

Basis of differentiation	Taq polymerase	DNA polymerase
Definition	Is a thermostable DNA polymerase extracted from thermophiles that creates DNA	Is an enzyme that facilitates DNA replication in the form of nucleic acid molecules
Occurs naturally in	Thermophilic bacteria Thermus aquaticus	Prokaryotic organisms
Optimal temperature	72°C	37°C
High temperatures	Active and does not degrade at high temperatures	Not active at high temperatures because of degradation
Processivity	Adds 2–4 kilobases / minute	Adds ~15-20 nucleotides/ second
Application	Used in PCR	Used to synthesize DNA in prokaryotic cells