Takara Bio guide

Choosing the right Takara Bio product

PCR, RT-PCR and qPCR specifications from Takara Bio's own selection guides, plus plain-language guides to gene function, CRISPR and stem-cell products and how they compare with Thermo Fisher and other major brands.

Have a competitor catalogue number?

The Takara PCR Alternatives tool returns the matching Takara product for Thermo Fisher, NEB and other brands.

Find a Takara alternative →

New to gene editing, stem cells or cell therapy?

Our gene and cell guide explains each step in plain language, shows where every Takara product fits, and plans a project with you.

Open the gene and cell guide →

PCR selector

Choose a Takara PCR enzyme by what you need

Every PCR enzyme trades off accuracy, speed, product length and tolerance of difficult samples. Pick your main need, then compare the options on the specifications Takara publishes.

Routine PCR and genotypingTaKaRa Taq High yield, sensitivity and multiplexingTitanium Taq High fidelity: cloning, mutagenesis, sequencingPrimeSTAR Max Long-range PCRPrimeSTAR LongSeq GC-rich targetsAdvantage GC 2 Polymerase Mix Fast PCRSapphireAmp Fast PCR Master Mix Direct PCR without DNA purificationTerra PCR Direct Polymerase Mix

Amplicon columns show the longest product Takara states for each template. Fidelity is relative to standard Taq (plus signs are Takara’s five-point scale). A dash means Takara gives no figure. Click a catalogue number for Takara’s product page, or JBS for our price and stock.

Routine PCR and genotyping

The product only goes on a gel. Choose by convenience: dye-loaded master mixes save a pipetting step.

Product	gDNA	Plasmid / λ	cDNA	Fidelity vs Taq	Extension	Max GC	Ends	Hot start	Format & Cat. no.
TaKaRa TaqRoutine PCR, multiplexing	3 kb	12 kb	-	1X (reference)	-	-	T/A	Hot-start version	Enzyme or 2X premixR001A JBS, R001B JBS, R001C JBS; Mg-free: R001AM JBS, R001BM, R001CM; premix R004A JBS; HS: R007A JBS, R007B JBS, premix R028A JBS
TaKaRa Ex PremierRobust everyday PCR, genotyping and NGS amplicons, especially from samples with PCR inhibitors; very high yield	30 kb	-	-	+++ of 5	30 s/kb	75%	Blunt	Yes	2X premix, without dye or Dye plus (loads straight onto a gel)Without dye: RR370A JBS, RR370B; Dye plus: RR371A JBS, RR371B JBS
TaKaRa Taq HS Perfect MixFaster routine PCR	-	-	-	-	20 s/kb	-	-	Yes	2X premixR300A JBS, R300B JBS
EmeraldAmp GT PCR Master MixValue genotyping, mouse colony screens	4 kb	-	-	-	-	-	T/A	-	2X premix with gel dyeRR310A JBS, RR310B JBS
EmeraldAmp MAX PCR Master MixHigh-yield genotyping (about 10X more product than Taq)	10 kb	-	-	-	-	-	T/A	HS version	2X premix with gel dyeRR320A JBS, RR320B; HS: RR330A JBS, RR330B
Advantage HD Polymerase MixRoutine PCR that needs blunt ends and better accuracy than Taq	8.5 kb	-	-	+++ of 5	60 s/kb	60%	Blunt	Yes	Enzyme639241 JBS

High yield, sensitivity and multiplexing

Rare targets, low-copy templates, multiplex panels or impure samples.

Product	gDNA	Plasmid / λ	cDNA	Fidelity vs Taq	Extension	Max GC	Ends	Hot start	Format & Cat. no.
Titanium TaqSensitive multiplex PCR, SNP genotyping; tolerant of a wide Mg2+ range	2 kb	2 kb	4 kb	-	60 s/kb	60%	T/A	Yes (TaqStart antibody)	Enzyme, complete kit, or EcoDry premix639208 JBS, 639209 JBS, 639242 JBS; kit 639210 JBS, 639211 JBS; High Yield EcoDry 639278 JBS, 639276 JBS
SuperPlex PremixHighly multiplexed PCR with many primer pairs in one tube	2 kb	-	-	-	-	60%	T/A	Yes	2X premix (Titanium Taq based)638543 JBS
Titanium DNA Amplification KitWhole-genome amplification for CytoScan SNP arrays	-	-	-	-	-	-	T/A	Yes	Kit639240 JBS, 639243 JBS
TaKaRa Ex TaqLow-copy or dirty samples; plant, ancient and unusual DNA; higher yield than Taq	20 kb	30 kb	-	Improved (proofreading blend)	-	-	T/A	HS version	Enzyme or 2X premixRR001A JBS, RR001B, RR001C; Mg-free: RR01AM JBS, RR01BM, RR01CM; premix RR003A JBS; HS: RR006A JBS, RR006B, premix RR030A JBS
Advantage 2 Polymerase MixcDNA amplification, RACE, library construction, low-abundance clinical and environmental samples	6 kb	18.5 kb	8.5 kb	About 3X	60 s/kb	-	T/A	Yes	Mix, complete kit, or EcoDry premix639201 JBS, 639202 JBS; kit 639206 JBS, 639207 JBS; High Fidelity EcoDry 639282 JBS, 639280 JBS

High fidelity: cloning, mutagenesis, sequencing

The product will be cloned, sequenced or expressed, so every copying error matters. These enzymes leave blunt ends: use blunt or In-Fusion cloning, not TA cloning.

Product	gDNA	Plasmid / λ	cDNA	Fidelity vs Taq	Extension	Max GC	Ends	Hot start	Format & Cat. no.
PrimeSTAR MaxHighest fidelity and speed; cloning, mutagenesis, expression constructs	6 kb	15 kb	6 kb	29X	5 s/kb	-	Blunt	Yes	2X premixR045A JBS, R045B JBS
PrimeSTAR Max Ver.2As PrimeSTAR Max, with more template (up to 1,000 ng) and longer products; antibody engineering	15 kb	-	-	+++++ of 5	5 s/kb	65%	Blunt	Yes	2X premixR047A JBS, R047B
CloneAmp HiFi PCR PremixInserts for In-Fusion cloning	6 kb	-	-	+++++ of 5	5 s/kb	60%	Blunt	Yes	2X premix639298 JBS
PrimeSTAR GXLLong, GC-rich or repetitive targets; HLA typing; amplification before NGS without AT/GC bias	30 kb	40 kb	13.5 kb	6.5X	30 s/kb; Premix Fast 10 s/kb	73%	Blunt	Yes	Enzyme, 2X premix, Premix Fast, or Premix Fast Dye plusR050A JBS, R050B; premix R051A JBS, R051B; Premix Fast R053A, R053B; Fast Dye plus R052A JBS
PrimeSTAR HSAccurate PCR when one cycling protocol must cover several product sizes	-	-	-	15 errors in 484,429 bp sequenced	-	GC buffer version	Blunt	Yes	Enzyme, 2X premix, or with GC bufferR010A JBS, R010B; premix R040A JBS; GC buffer R044A JBS, R044B

Long-range PCR

Whole genes, long amplicons and large constructs, including amplicons for long-read sequencing.

Product	gDNA	Plasmid / λ	cDNA	Fidelity vs Taq	Extension	Max GC	Ends	Hot start	Format & Cat. no.
PrimeSTAR LongSeqLongest products; long-read NGS amplicons; multiplex HLA typing, repeat expansions, cancer genomics	50 kb	-	-	+++ of 5	20-30 s/kb	75%	Blunt	Yes	2X premixR055A, R055B
TaKaRa LA TaqMaximum length with A-overhangs	30 kb	48 kb	-	6.5X	60 s/kb	67%	T/A	HS version	Enzyme or LA PCR KitMg-free RR002A JBS; Mg plus RR002M JBS, RR002B, RR002C; HS: RR042A JBS, RR042B; LA PCR Kit Ver. 2.1: RR013A JBS, RR013B JBS
TaKaRa LA Taq with GC BuffersLong PCR through GC-rich regions and secondary structure	17.5 kb	35 kb	-	6.5X	60 s/kb	74%	T/A	-	Enzyme with GC Buffers I and IIRR02AG JBS
TaKaRa Ex PremierLong products from crude or inhibitor-rich samples	30 kb	-	-	+++ of 5	30 s/kb	75%	Blunt	Yes	2X premix, with or without dyeRR370A JBS, RR371A JBS
PrimeSTAR GXLLong targets where accuracy also matters	30 kb	40 kb	13.5 kb	6.5X	30 s/kb	73%	Blunt	Yes	Enzyme or 2X premixR050A JBS, R051A JBS

GC-rich targets

Promoters, CpG islands and other high-GC regions.

Product	gDNA	Plasmid / λ	cDNA	Fidelity vs Taq	Extension	Max GC	Ends	Hot start	Format & Cat. no.
Advantage GC 2 Polymerase MixVery high GC content; robust genotyping	3.5 kb	6 kb	2 kb	3X	60 s/kb	90%	T/A	-	Mix (with GC-Melt) or kit639114 JBS; kit 639119JBS, 639120JBS
Advantage GC Genomic LA Polymerase MixLong products from very GC-rich genomic DNA	20 kb	-	-	+++ of 5	60 s/kb	90%	T/A	Yes	Enzyme639153 JBS
TaKaRa LA Taq with GC BuffersLong PCR on GC-rich templates	17.5 kb	35 kb	-	6.5X	60 s/kb	74%	T/A	-	Enzyme with GC BuffersRR02AG JBS
PrimeSTAR LongSeq / TaKaRa Ex PremierGC-rich targets up to 75% with blunt ends	50 kb / 30 kb	-	-	+++ of 5	20-30 s/kb	75%	Blunt	Yes	2X premixR055A; RR370A JBS
PrimeSTAR GXLGC-rich targets that also need high fidelity	30 kb	40 kb	13.5 kb	6.5X	30 s/kb	73%	Blunt	Yes	Enzyme or 2X premixR050A JBS, R051A JBS

Fast PCR

Short cycling times for screening and high throughput, on a standard thermal cycler.

Product	gDNA	Plasmid / λ	cDNA	Fidelity vs Taq	Extension	Max GC	Ends	Hot start	Format & Cat. no.
SapphireAmp Fast PCR Master MixColony PCR, fast routine PCR; products can be cut with restriction enzymes directly	6 kb	5 kb	-	-	10 s/kb	-	T/A	Yes	2X premix with gel dyeRR350A JBS, RR350B
SpeedSTAR HSHigh-throughput fast PCR; a 2 kb product in about 30 minutes	20 kb	20 kb	-	3-4X	10 s/kb	-	T/A	Yes	Enzyme with two Fast BuffersRR070A JBS, RR070B
PrimeSTAR GXL Premix FastFast and accurate, with or without loading dye	-	-	-	6.5X	10 s/kb	73%	Blunt	Yes	2X premix; Dye plus versionR053A, R053B; Dye plus R052A JBS
PrimeSTAR MaxFast and highest fidelity	6 kb	15 kb	6 kb	29X	5 s/kb	-	Blunt	Yes	2X premixR045A JBS; Ver.2 R047A JBS

Direct PCR without DNA purification

Blood, tail and ear clips, leaves, FFPE extracts or FTA cards straight into the PCR. TaKaRa Ex Premier also tolerates known PCR inhibitors.

Product	gDNA	Plasmid / λ	cDNA	Fidelity vs Taq	Extension	Max GC	Ends	Hot start	Format & Cat. no.
Terra PCR Direct Polymerase MixAnimal or plant tissue and blood (EDTA or heparin); tolerant of PCR inhibitors	2 kb	-	-	-	-	70%	T/A	Yes	Enzyme with 2X buffer, or Red Dye Premix639269, 639270 JBS, 639271 JBS; Red Dye Premix 639286 JBS
Terra PCR Direct Genotyping KitComplete kit for animal-tissue genotyping up to 2 kb	2 kb	-	-	-	-	-	T/A	Yes	Kit with extraction buffer, proteinase K, loading dye639285JBS
Terra PCR Direct FFPE KitFFPE DNA extracts with no deparaffinisation step	2 kb	-	-	-	-	-	T/A	Yes	Kit with DNA recovery buffer and proteinase K639284
Terra PCR Direct Card KitBlood, buccal swabs or leaves spotted on FTA cards	2 kb	-	-	-	-	-	T/A	Yes	Kit639287

How accurate is each enzyme?

Errors found when Takara sequenced cloned PCR products. Shorter bars are better.

PrimeSTAR Max1 error per 45,200 bases

PrimeSTAR HS1 error per 32,300 bases

PrimeSTAR GXL1 error per 16,200 bases

Pfu DNA polymerase1 error per 15,300 bases

rTaq DNA polymerase1 error per 2,500 bases

Practical tips

Ask what happens to the product next. A gel band only needs Taq or Ex Premier; cloning or sequencing needs a PrimeSTAR or CloneAmp enzyme.
Match the ends to the cloning method. Taq, Ex Taq and LA Taq leave A-overhangs for TA cloning; PrimeSTAR, CloneAmp and Ex Premier leave blunt ends.
Use the right amount of enzyme: Takara recommends 1.25 U of TaKaRa Taq or Ex Taq and 2.5 U of LA Taq per 50 µl reaction.
Hot-start versions let you set up at room temperature and cut primer dimers. Use them for multiplex PCR and for many samples.
Need a dye in the mix? EmeraldAmp, SapphireAmp, Ex Premier Dye plus and PrimeSTAR GXL Premix Fast Dye plus load straight onto a gel.
For gene expression, remove genomic DNA first (gDNA Eraser) and use a Tli RNase H qPCR premix.

Reverse transcription

cDNA synthesis and RT-PCR

All PrimeScript reverse transcriptases are MMLV-based and RNase H minus, and read through RNA secondary structure at the standard 42 °C.

Product	Key facts	Primers supplied	Cat. no.
PrimeScript Reverse TranscriptaseStand-alone RTase (MMLV, RNase H minus)	cDNA up to 12 kb; reads through RNA secondary structure at 42 °C	Not included	2680A JBS, 2680B
SMARTScribe Reverse TranscriptaseStand-alone RTase with strong template switching	Full-length cDNA up to 14.7 kb; the RT used in SMART kits	Not included	639536 JBS, 639537 JBS, 639538 JBS
SMART MMLV Reverse TranscriptaseStand-alone wild-type MMLV RTase	cDNA up to 11.7 kb; a lower-cost RT for routine work	Not included	639524 JBS
MMLV Reverse Transcriptase, GPRGeneral-purpose-reagent grade MMLV RTase	For molecular diagnostic assay development; free of RNases and nucleases	Not included	639575, 639576
PrimeScript IV 1st strand cDNA Synthesis Mix5X all-in-one first-strand mix	No RNA denaturation step needed; just add RNA and water	Oligo dT	6215A JBS
PrimeScript 1st Strand cDNA Synthesis KitComplete first-strand kit	Long cDNA up to 12 kb; RNase inhibitor and dNTPs included	Oligo dT and random 6-mers	6110A JBS, 6110B JBS
PrimeScript II 1st Strand cDNA Synthesis KitComplete first-strand kit, improved RTase	Accessory protein reduces mispriming; full-length cDNA	Oligo dT and random 6-mers	6210AJBS
Advantage RT-for-PCR KitFirst-strand kit for nanogram RNA inputs	Includes RNase inhibitor, control RNA and PCR control primers	Oligo dT18 and random hexamers	639506 JBS
SMARTer PCR cDNA Synthesis KitsFull-length double-stranded cDNA by template switching	From nanograms of RNA, or 1 ng with the Pico kit; for cloning, probes and subtraction	SMARTer oligos	634926 JBS, 634928 JBS
RNA to cDNA EcoDry PremixLyophilised RT in 8-tube strips: just add RNA	SMART MMLV RTase; cDNA up to 11.7 kb; ships and stores at room temperature	Oligo dT, random hexamers, or both	639541 JBS-639549 JBS
PrimeScript Double Strand cDNA Synthesis KitDouble-stranded cDNA for library cloning	From purified polyA+ RNA; includes control RNA	Oligo dT18 and random 9-mers	6111AJBS
PrimeScript RT-PCR KitTwo-step RT-PCR	PrimeScript RTase plus TaKaRa Ex Taq HS; full-length cDNA up to 12 kb	Oligo dT and random 6-mers	RR014A JBS, RR014B
PrimeScript High Fidelity RT-PCR KitTwo-step RT-PCR with PrimeSTAR Max	For cloning or sequencing from RNA; PrimeScript RTase error rate 0.0035% in Takara's sequencing test	Oligo dT and random 6-mers	R022AJBS
PrimeScript II High Fidelity One Step RT-PCR KitOne-step high-fidelity RT-PCR	PrimeScript II RTase with PrimeSTAR GXL; 10 min RT, 10 s/kb; long and GC-rich targets	Your gene-specific primers	R026A, R026B
PrimeScript One Step RT-PCR Kit Ver. 2One-step end-point RT-PCR	RT and PCR in one tube with Ex Taq HS; Dye Plus version loads straight onto a gel	Your gene-specific primers	RR055A JBS, RR055B JBS; Dye Plus RR057A JBS, RR057B
Titanium One-Step RT-PCR KitOne-step RT-PCR with Titanium Taq	High sensitivity for comparing expression between samples	Your gene-specific primers	639504 JBS
One-Step RNA PCR Kit (AMV)One-step RT-PCR with AMV RTase	Thermostable AMV Reverse Transcriptase XL with AMV-optimised Taq	Your gene-specific primers	RR024A JBS, RR024B

Real-time PCR

qPCR and RT-qPCR

Takara's qPCR premixes contain Tli RNase H, a heat-stable enzyme that removes leftover RNA bound to the cDNA. That RNA otherwise slows amplification, especially for GC-rich and weakly expressed genes, so quantification is more accurate.

Instruments that normalise wells with ROX need the right dye: ROX Reference Dye for ABI 7300, 7900HT and StepOnePlus; ROX Reference Dye II for ABI 7500 and 7500 Fast and Agilent Mx3000P. No ROX is needed on LightCycler and Thermal Cycler Dice. Most premixes come in sizes with ROX as a separate vial or already in the premix (ROX Plus, codes ending LR or WR).

Product	Detection / step	Key facts	Cat. no.
PrimeScript FAST RT Reagent Kit with gDNA Eraser	cDNA for qPCR	Fastest: genomic DNA removed in 2 minutes, then RT complete in 10	RR092A JBS, RR092B JBS
PrimeScript RT Reagent Kit with gDNA Eraser	cDNA for qPCR	Removes genomic DNA in 2 minutes before a 15-minute RT, so gDNA is not quantified as transcript	RR047A JBS, RR047B
PrimeScript RT Reagent Kit (Perfect Real Time)	cDNA for qPCR	cDNA ready in 15 minutes; separate components	RR037A JBS, RR037B
PrimeScript RT Master Mix (Perfect Real Time)	cDNA for qPCR	5X master mix with primers already in; fastest set-up for many samples	RR036A JBS, RR036B
TB Green Premix Ex Taq (Tli RNase H Plus)	TB Green (SYBR-type dye)	Amplicons up to about 570 bp; detects 100 copies; works on all qPCR instruments	RR420A JBS, RR420B JBS; ROX vial RR420L JBS, RR420W JBS; ROX in premix RR42LR JBS, RR42WR JBS
TB Green Premix Ex Taq II (Tli RNase H Plus)	TB Green (SYBR-type dye)	Highest specificity: fewer primer dimers and off-target products	RR820A JBS, RR820B JBS; ROX vial RR820L JBS, RR820W JBS; ROX in premix RR82LR JBS, RR82WR JBS
TB Green Premix Ex Taq II FAST qPCR	TB Green, fast cycling	Mutant Taq for fast cycling, primer-dimer suppressor, Tli RNase H and UNG carry-over control	RR830A, RR830B
TB Green Advantage qPCR Premix	TB Green (SYBR-type dye)	Full-length Taq with antibody hot start; two ROX tubes for laser or LED instruments	639676 JBS
Premix Ex Taq (Probe qPCR)	TaqMan-type probes	Gene-expression analysis with probes; includes Tli RNase H	RR390A JBS, RR390B; ROX vial RR390L JBS, RR390W JBS; ROX in premix RR39LR JBS, RR39WR JBS
Premix Ex Taq (Perfect Real Time)	TaqMan-type probes	Detects 10 copies; over 6 logs of dynamic range; suits multiplex	RR039A JBS, RR039B JBS
5X PrimePath Probe qPCR Kit, no ROX, GPR	Probe qPCR, assay development	5X format leaves room for more sample or multiplexing; made in an ISO 13485 facility	638349 JBS, 638347
One Step PrimeScript III RT-PCR Kit	Probe, one-step RT-qPCR	Heat-tolerant PrimeScript III RTase; resists blood and soil inhibitors; does not freeze at -20 °C; RR601A adds UNG	RR600A JBS, RR600B JBS; with UNG RR601A JBS
5X One Step PrimeScript III RT-qPCR Kit, no ROX, GPR	Probe, one-step RT-qPCR, assay development	5X general-purpose-reagent mix for diagnostic assay developers; ISO 13485, lot-tested	638337
One Step PrimeScript RT-PCR Kit (Perfect Real Time)	Probe, one-step RT-qPCR	Quantifies any RNA in one tube with TaqMan-type probes; linear from 1 pg to 100 ng total RNA	RR064A JBS, RR064B
One-Step TB Green PrimeScript RT-PCR Kit II	TB Green, one-step RT-qPCR	Quantifies RNA, including RNA viruses, in one tube	RR086A JBS, RR086B JBS (Kit I: RR066AJBS)
Terra qPCR Direct TB Green Premix	TB Green, from crude samples	Quantifies DNA from crude lysates of tissue or food without purification; targets up to 2 kb	638318, 638319 JBS, 638323
Lyo-Ready qPCR mixes	Probe qPCR or one-step RT-qPCR, for freeze-drying	Liquid mixes with excipient already in: add your primers and probes, then lyophilise	One-step RT-qPCR 638345; PrimePath probe 638352
Prelude One-Step PreAmp Master Mix	Pre-amplification before qPCR	Unbiased pre-amplification of over 100 targets from 10 ng total RNA, including FFPE RNA	638554 JBS
TaKaRa Mycoplasma qPCR Detection Kit	Probe qPCR detection kit	Detects mycoplasma DNA from cell-culture extracts; spike-in control included	RR277A JBS

Specialist PCR

Isothermal, methylation, room-temperature and GMP formats

ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION

BcaBEST Isothermal FluorDetect Kit (RR385A, RR385B) with TB Green Solution (9300A) · phi29 DNA Polymerase (RR340A JBS) with protected random hexamer (3807 JBS)

The BcaBEST kit runs LAMP or one-step RT-LAMP at 63 °C for 20 minutes and reads the result on a real-time PCR instrument. phi29 copies circular or whole-genome DNA by rolling-circle or multiple-displacement amplification.

DNA METHYLATION

TaKaRa EpiTaq HS (R110AJBS) · EpiScope MSP Kit (R100AJBS)

EpiTaq HS amplifies bisulfite-converted, uracil-rich DNA up to 1,000 bp. The EpiScope MSP kit is built for methylation-specific PCR, with methylated and unmethylated control DNA available.

ROOM-TEMPERATURE FORMATS

Lyophilized HS Taq PCR Master Mix (RR058AJBS) · High Yield (639278 JBS, 639276 JBS) and High Fidelity (639282 JBS, 639280 JBS) EcoDry Premixes · Lyo-Ready qPCR mixes (638345, 638352)

Lyophilised reactions in 8-tube strips: add water, template and primers. Stored and shipped at room temperature, with less pipetting and lower contamination risk. Lyo-Ready mixes let assay developers freeze-dry their own primers and probes.

GMP AND COMMERCIAL USE

TaKaRa Taq Hot Start (GMP grade) · Titanium Taq SP (639292, 638517 glycerol-free, 638519 EcoDry) · PrimeSTAR GXL SP (RF220Q) · GPR qPCR kits (638349 JBS, 638337) and MMLV RT GPR (639575)

Made for kit manufacturers and diagnostic-test developers. GMP-grade, SP and GPR products support OEM and commercial use; in some situations the SP enzymes may reduce royalty and licence costs. Takara handles commercial-use terms directly.

QPCR STANDARDS AND REFERENCES

qPCR Human Reference Total RNA (636690 JBS) and cDNA (636692JBS, 636693JBS, 639653 JBS, 639654JBS) · EASY Dilution (9160 JBS) and EASY Dilution II (9451)

Reference RNA and cDNA pooled from human tissues give stable standard curves. EASY Dilution stops nucleic acid sticking to tubes when you dilute standards; EASY Dilution II is the general-purpose version for samples and standards.

Specifications are taken from Takara Bio's PCR Selection Guide (Takara Bio Europe, 2019), PCR mini-catalogue (2018) and the product pages on takarabio.com (checked October 2026). Fidelity shown as plus signs is Takara's own five-point scale against wild-type Taq. Each catalogue number links to its Takara product page; the small JBS link searches our own online catalogue for price and availability (staff and registered customers). All products are for research use only unless stated. Catalogue numbers can change, so confirm them with JB Scientific before ordering.

PCR: Takara Bio vs Thermo Fisher and NEB

The table below lists the Takara product for each common PCR job and the Thermo Fisher and NEB products customers usually compare it with. Use it to answer "what is your equivalent of ...?" quickly; the specifications above show why the Takara choice fits.

Application	Takara Bio pick	Thermo Fisher	NEB
Routine PCR & genotypingProduct goes straight on a gel	EmeraldAmp GT / MAX; TaKaRa Ex Premier Dye plus2X premixes with loading dye; Ex Premier for samples with PCR inhibitors	DreamTaq Green PCR Master Mix	OneTaq Quick-Load 2X Master Mix
High-yield and multiplex PCRLow-copy targets, several primer pairs in one tube	Titanium Taq; TaKaRa Taq HSAntibody hot start; tolerant of Mg2+ variation	Platinum II Taq Hot-Start	Multiplex PCR 5X Master Mix
Fast PCRColony PCR and high-throughput screens	SapphireAmp Fast PCR Master Mix; SpeedSTAR HS10 s/kb on a standard cycler	Phire Hot Start II	OneTaq Quick-Load 2X Master Mix
High-fidelity cloning & sequencingCloning, mutagenesis, amplicons for Sanger or NGS	PrimeSTAR Max29X Taq fidelity at 5 s/kb, 2X premix	Phusion / Platinum SuperFi II	Q5 High-Fidelity
Long-range PCRWhole genes and long amplicons	PrimeSTAR LongSeq (up to 50 kb); TaKaRa LA Taq; PrimeSTAR GXLLongSeq for the longest blunt products and long-read amplicons; LA Taq for A-overhangs; GXL when accuracy also matters	Platinum SuperFi II / Long PCR enzyme mixes	LongAmp Taq
GC-rich targetsPromoters, CpG islands, high-GC genes	Advantage GC 2 (up to 90% GC); PrimeSTAR GXLGC-Melt reagent; GXL keeps fidelity on GC-rich DNA	Platinum SuperFi II with GC enhancer	Q5 with High GC Enhancer; OneTaq GC buffer
Direct PCR from crude samplesTissue, blood, plant, FFPE or FTA cards without DNA purification	Terra PCR Direct and kitsInhibitor-tolerant; up to 2 kb from crude material	Phire Tissue / Plant Direct PCR kits	No direct NEB equivalent
PCR for In-Fusion cloningMaking inserts for seamless cloning	CloneAmp HiFi PCR Premix or PrimeSTAR MaxMatched to In-Fusion	Platinum SuperFi II	Q5 High-Fidelity
cDNA synthesis (RT)RNA to cDNA before PCR or qPCR	PrimeScript (FAST) RT Reagent Kit with gDNA EraserGenomic DNA removed in 2 minutes; cDNA in 15, or 10 with the FAST kit	SuperScript IV VILO / High-Capacity cDNA kit	LunaScript RT SuperMix / ProtoScript II
SYBR-type qPCRGene expression with dye detection	TB Green Premix Ex Taq II (Tli RNase H Plus)High specificity; Tli RNase H improves quantification	PowerUp SYBR Green Master Mix	Luna Universal qPCR Master Mix
Probe qPCRTaqMan-type assays, pathogen detection	Premix Ex Taq (Probe qPCR)Ex Taq HS with Tli RNase H	TaqMan Fast Advanced Master Mix	Luna Universal Probe qPCR Master Mix
One-step RT-qPCRRNA virus detection straight from extracted RNA	One Step PrimeScript III RT-PCR KitRT and probe qPCR in one tube; inhibitor-tolerant, does not freeze at -20 °C	TaqPath 1-Step RT-qPCR Master Mix	Luna Universal Probe One-Step RT-qPCR
Methylation PCRBisulfite-converted DNA	TaKaRa EpiTaq HSMade for uracil-rich bisulfite DNA, amplicons up to 1 kb	AmpliTaq Gold 360	EpiMark Hot Start Taq

Sales tip. Lead with "what happens to the product next?". For a customer's existing catalogue numbers, the Takara PCR Alternatives tool finds the Takara match for Thermo Fisher and NEB products.

Gene function & cloning

Gene-function work asks what a gene does by adding it, switching it on and off, or removing it. The toolkit has three parts: building the DNA construct (cloning), delivering it into cells (transfection or viral vectors), and controlling when the gene is active.

Takara is strongest where these steps join up: In-Fusion for building the construct, Lenti-X for making lentivirus, and the Tet-On 3G / Tet-One systems for switching genes on with doxycycline.

Application	Takara Bio pick	Thermo Fisher	NEB
Seamless cloningInsert one or several fragments into a vector without restriction-site limits	In-Fusion Snap Assembly15 bp overlaps, works with linearised vector; strong for multi-fragment builds	GeneArt Gibson Assembly HiFi	NEBuilder HiFi DNA Assembly
Competent cellsTransforming the finished construct	Stellar Competent CellsHigh efficiency, matched to In-Fusion	One Shot TOP10	NEB 5-alpha
Inducible gene expressionSwitch a gene on and off with doxycycline	Tet-On 3G / Tet-One systemsLow background and tight control; all-in-one vector option	T-REx system	No direct NEB equivalent
Lentiviral vector productionStable delivery into hard-to-transfect or primary cells	Lenti-X Packaging Single Shots + Lenti-X GoStixPre-mixed packaging and a 10-minute titre check	ViraPower Lentiviral system	No direct NEB equivalent
Viral transduction enhancementImproving gene transfer into T cells and stem cells	RetroNectinRecombinant fibronectin fragment used in clinical cell-therapy manufacturing	No direct equivalent (polybrene-type reagents)	No direct NEB equivalent

Sales tip. Position In-Fusion + Stellar + CloneAmp as one kit-to-colony workflow; customers who already own Gibson reagents switch most easily for multi-fragment builds.

How this works, step by step, with a project planner →

Gene editing (CRISPR)

CRISPR uses a guide RNA to lead the Cas9 enzyme to one exact spot in the genome, where it cuts. The cell repairs the cut, often disabling the gene (knock-out), or copies in a supplied template (knock-in).

A CRISPR experiment has three steps: design and make the guide, deliver Cas9 and the guide into cells, then confirm the edit. Takara's Guide-it line covers all three, which lets JBS sell the full experiment rather than one reagent.

Application	Takara Bio pick	Thermo Fisher	IDT
Guide RNA & Cas9Knock-out experiments in cell lines	Guide-it sgRNA synthesis & recombinant Cas9Make the guide in-house; deliver as ribonucleoprotein	TrueCut Cas9 v2 + TrueGuide sgRNA	Alt-R CRISPR-Cas9 system
Edit detectionChecking whether cutting worked before sequencing	Guide-it Mutation Detection / Genotype Confirmation kitsGel-based screening of pooled or clonal cells	GeneArt Genomic Cleavage Detection kit	Alt-R Genome Editing Detection kit
Knock-in & HDRInserting a tag or correcting a variant	Guide-it knock-in tools + In-Fusion donor constructionUse In-Fusion to build the donor template	TrueTag donor kits	Alt-R HDR donor oligos
Sequence confirmationFinal proof of the edit	PrimeSTAR amplicons + Sanger or NGSHigh-fidelity PCR avoids false 'edits' from polymerase errors	Platinum SuperFi II + sequencing	Amplicon NGS

Sales tip. Point out that polymerase errors can look like edits: pairing Guide-it with PrimeSTAR for the confirmation PCR is a genuine technical argument.

How this works, step by step, with a project planner →

Stem cells & regenerative medicine

Pluripotent stem cells (embryonic or induced, iPSC) can become almost any cell type. Labs grow them in an undifferentiated state, then guide them into specific cells such as heart muscle or liver cells for disease modelling, drug testing or future therapies.

Two things decide success: a culture system that keeps cells stable and healthy over many passages, and a reliable way to turn them into the target cell. Regenerative medicine adds a third: reagents made to GMP standards for clinical use.

Application	Takara Bio pick	Thermo Fisher	STEMCELL Technologies
hPSC / iPSC maintenanceGrowing stem cells without spontaneous differentiation	Cellartis DEF-CS 500 Culture SystemSingle-cell passaging, stable karyotype over long-term culture	Essential 8 / StemFlex media	mTeSR Plus
DifferentiationMaking cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes and other cell types	Cellartis differentiation kits & hiPSC-derived cellsReady-made differentiated cells shorten time to results	PSC Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Kit	STEMdiff kits
Mesenchymal stem cellsMSC expansion for research and translational work	Cellartis MSC xeno-free culture mediaAnimal-component-free option	StemPro MSC SFM	MesenCult media
Cell & gene therapy manufacturingCAR-T and other gene-modified cell products	RetroNectin (GMP grade)Established in clinical T-cell transduction	CTS reagents (Cell Therapy Systems)	ImmunoCult T-cell reagents

Sales tip. Stem-cell buyers value reproducibility over price. Lead with single-cell passaging (DEF-CS) and ready-made differentiated cells, and involve our medical team for translational groups.

How this works, step by step, with a project planner →

Competitor equivalents are indicative positioning to guide product selection, not head-to-head performance claims. Product names are trademarks of their owners. Confirm current catalogue numbers, specifications and prices with JB Scientific before ordering.

Choosing the right Takara Bio product

Choose a Takara PCR enzyme by what you need

Routine PCR and genotyping

High yield, sensitivity and multiplexing

High fidelity: cloning, mutagenesis, sequencing

Long-range PCR

GC-rich targets

Fast PCR

Direct PCR without DNA purification

How accurate is each enzyme?

Practical tips

cDNA synthesis and RT-PCR

qPCR and RT-qPCR

Isothermal, methylation, room-temperature and GMP formats

BcaBEST Isothermal FluorDetect Kit (RR385A, RR385B) with TB Green Solution (9300A) · phi29 DNA Polymerase (RR340AJBS) with protected random hexamer (3807JBS)

TaKaRa EpiTaq HS (R110AJBS) · EpiScope MSP Kit (R100AJBS)

Lyophilized HS Taq PCR Master Mix (RR058AJBS) · High Yield (639278JBS, 639276JBS) and High Fidelity (639282JBS, 639280JBS) EcoDry Premixes · Lyo-Ready qPCR mixes (638345, 638352)

TaKaRa Taq Hot Start (GMP grade) · Titanium Taq SP (639292, 638517 glycerol-free, 638519 EcoDry) · PrimeSTAR GXL SP (RF220Q) · GPR qPCR kits (638349JBS, 638337) and MMLV RT GPR (639575)

qPCR Human Reference Total RNA (636690JBS) and cDNA (636692JBS, 636693JBS, 639653JBS, 639654JBS) · EASY Dilution (9160JBS) and EASY Dilution II (9451)

PCR: Takara Bio vs Thermo Fisher and NEB

Gene function & cloning

Gene editing (CRISPR)

Stem cells & regenerative medicine

BcaBEST Isothermal FluorDetect Kit (RR385A, RR385B) with TB Green Solution (9300A) · phi29 DNA Polymerase (RR340A JBS) with protected random hexamer (3807 JBS)

Lyophilized HS Taq PCR Master Mix (RR058AJBS) · High Yield (639278 JBS, 639276 JBS) and High Fidelity (639282 JBS, 639280 JBS) EcoDry Premixes · Lyo-Ready qPCR mixes (638345, 638352)

TaKaRa Taq Hot Start (GMP grade) · Titanium Taq SP (639292, 638517 glycerol-free, 638519 EcoDry) · PrimeSTAR GXL SP (RF220Q) · GPR qPCR kits (638349 JBS, 638337) and MMLV RT GPR (639575)

qPCR Human Reference Total RNA (636690 JBS) and cDNA (636692JBS, 636693JBS, 639653 JBS, 639654JBS) · EASY Dilution (9160 JBS) and EASY Dilution II (9451)