The hot-start versions of TaKaRa Taq DNA Polymerase contain a mixture of Taq polymerase and a monoclonal antibody that binds to Taq polymerase, thereby preventing DNA synthesis at room temperature. During the initial DNA denaturation step (reaction temperature ~94°C), the antibody is denatured, releasing the polymerase and allowing DNA synthesis to proceed. The use of a hot-start PCR enzyme prevents nonspecific amplification due to mispriming and/or the formation of primer dimers during PCR assembly.