Primer/Template-Independent Synthesis of Poly d(A-T) by Taq Polymerase

Taq DNA polymerase polymerized dATP and dTTP to poly d(A-T) without requiring added primer/template in the temperature range of 60-70 degrees C. Tth DNA polymerase also catalyzed the reaction, while delta Tth, Vent, Vent(exo-), Pfu, Ultma, BcaBEST, and KOD DNA polymerases did not. The reaction was distinct from the template-nonrequiring terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase reaction which absolutely required primers.