Uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) is a vital enzyme that plays a critical role in DNA repair and has significant applications in molecular biology techniques, particularly in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Its primary function is to remove uracil from DNA, thereby preventing mutations that can arise from cytosine deamination or the misincorporation of dUMP residues. This enzyme is central to maintaining the integrity of the genome.

In the context of DNA analysis and sequencing, the presence of uracil can be problematic. Uracil lesions in DNA, if not repaired, can lead to errors during replication and sequencing, potentially yielding false positives or masking true genetic variations. UDG acts by cleaving the N-glycosidic bond of uracil, initiating the base-excision repair (BER) pathway. This process ensures that DNA sequences are accurately replicated and analyzed.

One of the most prominent laboratory uses of UDG is in controlling carry-over contamination in PCR. By incorporating dUTP into PCR products instead of dTTP, and then treating subsequent reactions with UDG, any residual amplified material from previous runs containing uracil is effectively degraded. This prevents these contaminants from interfering with new amplifications. This technique is crucial for achieving reliable and accurate results in genetic analysis, diagnostics, and research. As a provider of high-quality biochemicals, including Uracil (CAS 66-22-8), we understand the importance of enzymes like UDG in research. While we don't directly supply enzymes, the availability of pure Uracil is foundational for studies involving UDG. Ensuring a reliable supply of Uracil (CAS 66-22-8) from a trusted manufacturer is key for labs utilizing these advanced molecular biology techniques.