Final answer:
The purpose of PCR is to amplify DNA to facilitate the study of specific DNA regions. It has revolutionized genetic research, diagnostics, and forensics by enabling the analysis of small DNA samples. Hence, option (a) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is to amplify DNA, which means it makes millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence. This is extremely beneficial because such amplification allows for the study and analysis of specific regions of DNA in detailed research, medical diagnostics, forensic science, and more.
PCR uses a heat-resistant DNA polymerase, like Taq polymerase, harvested from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus, and designed primers to target the sequence for replication. Working rapidly, the PCR can generate significant amounts of DNA from minimal starting material, such as from a single cell or DNA fragments from fossils, making it a valuable technique in various fields of biology.
One advantage PCR offers for DNA research is its ability to quickly produce enough DNA from tiny samples for many applications including genetic disease detection, paternity analysis, and gene comparison between ancient and modern DNA.