1. What is a master mix
- In molecular biology, a master mix is a blend of the essential components required for a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcriptio What is a master mix? It is a pre-formulated recipe comprising DNA polymerase, buffer, dNTPs, MgCl₂ and sometimes stabilizers or tracking dyes
- Using a master mix saves time and ensures high accuracy and reproducibility in PCR experiments. Especially when
2. Eurogentec Master Mix – an optimal solution for PCR and RT-qPCR
Eurogentec – one of the most reputable European brands in molecular biology – has developed several lines of high-quality master mix products, suited to many research and diagnostic purposes. Notable products include:
- Takyon® No ROX Probe 2X MasterMix UNG
- Takyon® One-Step RT-qPCR MasterMix 4X Probe
- Takyon® SYBR® MasterMix
* Key features of Eurogentec master mixes
- High sensitivity: accurately detects low-copy-number targets.
- High accuracy and reproducibility: thanks to stable components optimized per application.
- Time-saving: fewer sample-preparation steps and a lower cross-contamination risk.
- UNG integration: removes carryover DNA from previous PCR reactions, increasing result reliability (for the UNG-containing lines).
- ROX-free: or in a version compatible with real-time PCR instruments that require a ROX reference standard.
* Applications of Eurogentec Master Mix
The Eurogentec master mix lines are widely used in:
- Gene expression profiling
- Detection and quantification of viruses and bacteria (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, Salmonella…)
- Food, environment and pharmaceutical testing
- Medical diagnostics and genetic testing
- Functional genomics and genome biology research.
3. How a master mix works
The principle of a master mix is based on the DNA chain-amplification reaction. The main master mix components are:
- DNA polymerase: the enzyme responsible for copying the target DNA.
- dNTPs (deoxynucleotide triphosphates): the building blocks for synthesizing new DNA.
- MgCl₂: the magnesium ion needed for the enzyme to work effectively.
- Buffer: maintains the pH and ideal conditions for the reaction.
- Additives: boost stability and performance (stabilizers, reaction enhancers…).
For the One-Step RT-qPCR master mix lines, the mixture also contains reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into cDNA before PCR is performed.
4. Specific usage instructions
4.1. For the Takyon® No ROX Probe 2X MasterMix UNG product
Step 1. Prepare the reaction mix:
- 10 µL of 2X Master Mix
- 0.4 µM forward primer + 0.4 µM reverse primer
- 0.2 µM probe (if used)
- Template DNA
- DNAse/RNAse-free water to a final volume of 20 µL
Step 2. Typical PCR cycling:
- 50°C, 2 minutes (if UNG is present)
- 95°C, 3 minutes
- 40 cycles: 95°C – 15 s, 60°C – 60 s
4.2. For the One-Step RT-qPCR Master Mix 4X Probe
Step 1. Add the RT enzyme from a separate vial (for the split format).
Step 2. Follow the protocol:
- 48–50°C, 10–15 minutes (reverse transcription)
- 95°C, 3 minutes (polymerase activation)
- 40 cycles: 95°C – 10 s, 60°C – 40 s
What is a master mix? It is a powerful aid for PCR and RT-qPCR reactions thanks to its standardization and optimized amplification processe Eurogentec, with its high-quality master mix lines, has been and remains a trusted choice for thousands of laboratories worldwide. V
👉 Please see the products we supply here
- Master Mix solution | Takyon® No ROX Probe 2X MasterMix UNG
- PCR Master Mix | One-Step Takyon® Ultra Probe 4X MasterMix
