During standard PCR cycling, primer-dimer formation and other nonspecific primer annealing can occur while the machine is heating up.  This can be detrimental for tough PCR reactions. It is possible to perform a manual hot-start by adding the enzyme or other critical reaction component after the tubes reach melting temperature.  But using a hot start product makes the process much easier. 

Our Cesium enzymes are double cold-sensitive mutants of Taq or Klentaq1 DNA Polymerases.  They provide an automatic hot-start for PCR due to suppressed activity at low temperatures.

In addition, all enzymes listed are reversibly bound to an aptamer.  The aptamer forms a hairpin and binds to the active site of the polymerase at sub-cycling temperatures, inactivating the enzyme and preventing spurious amplification. The aptamer is released at the first melt step, allowing full enzyme activity.

RockStart buffer is designed to provide a hot-start with any DNA polymerase.  It works by preciptating the Magnesium at room temperature and preventing enzyme activity.  The Magnesium is released upon normal cycling conditions.