Why should we use MgCl2 in particular instead of other chemicals for PCR?
some enzymes uses MgSO4 instead (Pfx from invitrogen). I gues It doesn´t matter that much wich salt you use as long as you don´t add anything that might inhibit the Taq.
I suppose they suggest MgCl because the reaction buffer has Tris-HCl so you already have Cloride ions in the reaction. As mentioned by Javaid the Mg++ is the cofactor for the enzyme so it should be in the final reaction buffer.
Remember that if you add too much Mg++ you might compromise specifficity of the reaction or even inhibbit the enzyme.
MgCi2 is a cofactor for Taq enzyme and also it helps in addition of correcct DNTPs complementary to the sequence in newly synthesizing strand by binding to DNTPs. hence it is important to maintain a balanced concentration both in the reaction mixture for effective amplification.
http://www.biotecnika.org/blog/pussy-cat/role-magnesium-chloride-pcr
some enzymes uses MgSO4 instead (Pfx from invitrogen). I gues It doesn´t matter that much wich salt you use as long as you don´t add anything that might inhibit the Taq.
I suppose they suggest MgCl because the reaction buffer has Tris-HCl so you already have Cloride ions in the reaction. As mentioned by Javaid the Mg++ is the cofactor for the enzyme so it should be in the final reaction buffer.
Remember that if you add too much Mg++ you might compromise specifficity of the reaction or even inhibbit the enzyme.
As above said What is important is the Mg2+ as it acts as cofactor for Taq.
It is important to note that the salt concentration (whether it be MgCl or MgSO4) should be optimized for your PCR reaction. It is always a good idea to do a concentration series to find the optimal concentration for your specific target, thereby avoiding less than optimal enzyme activity and lack of specificity!
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