Question

In Molecular Biology there is a technique to start with a little DNA and make a lot. This technique targets particular sections of DNA, where we know what the DNA sequence is on either side of it. Primers and DNA Polymerase are used to amplify a piece of DNA and make a billion or more copies. This technique is known as _____

Answer 1

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify a specific DNA segment, utilizing primers and Taq polymerase for the amplification process, which has numerous applications across different fields.

Step-by-step explanation:

The technique in molecular biology that allows for the amplification of a specific segment of DNA, given known sequences on either side, is known as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR uses primers, which are short sequences of DNA that are complementary to the target regions, and a special enzyme called Taq polymerase. Taq polymerase is derived from the heat-resistant bacterium Thermus aquaticus and is capable of withstanding the high temperatures used in the PCR process. By repeatedly cycling through temperature changes to denature the DNA, allow primers to bind, and synthesize new DNA strands, PCR amplifies the target DNA sequence to produce millions or even billions of copies.

PCR amplification is a versatile tool used in various fields, including gene structure research, forensic science, medical diagnostics, and more. Developed in 1983 by Kary Mullis, it has significantly advanced the field of molecular biology, earning Mullis a Nobel Prize in 1993. PCR's ability to amplify DNA from minimal amounts, such as from a single cell or even damaged DNA from fossils, makes it an essential method in biotechnological applications.