Final answer:
The statement that genetic profiling can be achieved with trace amounts of DNA left at a crime scene through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is true. PCR amplifies specific DNA regions, allowing for enough DNA to be generated for analysis and comparison, critical in the field of forensic science for identification.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genetic profiling can indeed be accomplished on trace amounts of DNA left at a crime scene due to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This statement is true.
PCR is a technique that is capable of amplifying tiny quantities of DNA, making millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence. This process enables forensic scientists to generate enough DNA for analysis, which is crucial for criminal forensics where only trace amounts of DNA may be available from crime scenes.
The amplification process using PCR can rapidly increase the number of copies of specific regions of DNA. This is essential for DNA profiling, which involves comparing DNA from a crime scene with that of potential suspects or victims. Short tandem repeats (STR) are commonly analyzed due to their high variability among individuals, providing a unique genetic fingerprint for identification purposes.