Question

In which situation would the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique be most useful?

A. When the genes of a population of people are being studied for diseases.
B. When there is not enough DNA available, like at a crime scene.
C. When the DNA of fraternal twins is mapped for research.
D. When the blood type of a donor is not known in an emergency situation.

Answer 1

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is most useful when DNA needs to be amplified from small samples, which is especially important in forensic cases like those involving crime scene evidence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique is most useful in situations where there is a need to amplify a specific region of DNA for further analysis. This makes PCR particularly valuable when working with very small DNA samples, such as those found at a crime scene, which is choice B. The capability of PCR to generate millions of copies of DNA from a small starting material makes it ideal for forensic applications, paternity testing, and diagnostics, but not for emergency situations where blood type needs to be immediately known without DNA amplification.