T4 RNA Ligase (10 U/μL) - FAQs

What are some of the problems associated with sticky-end cloning?

The amplified DNA needs to be purified from the PCR mixture components prior to cloning. The dNTPs carried over from the PCR are competitive inhibitors for ATP in the ligation reaction.

If during synthesis of the PCR primers their chemical integrity has been compromised by either a base substitution or modification, the enzyme recognition site may in actuality not exist. If this is the case, PCR products will be resistant to digestion with restriction enzymes. It may be necessary to use a higher concentration of the restriction enzyme and to incubate at the appropriate temperature overnight to ensure cutting.