What are False Priming Sites in PCR Reactions?

[sdoyle1]

Homework Statement

I am reading an article on PCR reactions and I keep coming across the term "False Priming Sites'. I've googled the term and look it up in my textbooks, but can't find a good definition. Can someone please help?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Ygggdrasil]

It likely refers to sequences of DNA that are very similar to the primer sequence and can bind the primer during the PCR reaction. These sites can cause false positives in PCR-based tests or cause extra bands to show up in a PCR reaction.