Master mix (PCR)
A master mix is a mixture containing precursors and enzymes used as an ingredient in RT-PCR techniques in molecular biology. Such mixtures contain a mixture dNTPs, MgCl2, Taq polymerase, a pH buffer and come mixed in nuclease-free water.
Master mixes for real-time PCR include a fluorescent compound, and the choice of mix also influence test sensitivity and consistency.
Differences in the choice of master mixes can sometimes explain difference in experimental results, a particular case being the measurement of telomere length.
