Final answer:
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is indeed useful for amplifying a specific section of DNA. It is a crucial technique in the fields of research, medical diagnostics, and forensic science, allowing for the detection of known DNA sequences in minimal and raw samples.
Step-by-step explanation:
PCR is useful for amplifying a particular section of DNA? The answer to this question is True. The polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, is a revolutionary laboratory technique used to amplify a specific DNA sequence. By using short DNA fragments known as primers which are complementary to the target sequence's ends, along with Taq polymerase and deoxynucleotides, PCR can increase the number of copies of a specific DNA region. Taq polymerase comes from the thermally stable bacterium Thermus aquaticus, which allows it to withstand the high temperatures necessary for PCR.
PCR enables researchers to work with very small amounts of DNA, and it has various applications including medical diagnostics, forensics, and research. It can detect the presence of a known DNA sequence in very small, crude samples. Also, PCR combined with other techniques like RFLP can increase the sensitivity of DNA fingerprinting, making it possible to diagnose conditions such as sickle cell anemia.
In terms of gene mapping and genetic fingerprinting, PCR allows for million-fold amplification of particular genome parts. This makes it possible to conduct scientific studies and profiling even if the initial DNA availability is low. Moreover, PCR can be used to quickly identify the source of an infection, such as viral or bacterial pathogens, by using specific primers sensitive to the pathogen. Overall, PCR is a tool that has broadened our capacity to study and diagnose genetic information.