Final answer:
Amplification refers to PCR's process where each cycle builds upon the previous one, utilizing its products as templates for DNA synthesis, resulting in exponential replication of specific DNA sequences with high specificity.
Therefore the best answer is b) Amplification
Step-by-step explanation:
In Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), the process where each cycle utilizes the products of the preceding cycle as templates is termed "Amplification." This method is crucial for exponentially increasing the amount of specific DNA sequences. The cycle involves three main steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension. During the extension step, DNA polymerase uses the previous cycle's products as templates to synthesize new DNA strands, leading to an exponential increase in the target DNA.
Amplification in PCR occurs through multiple cycles, each doubling the amount of the targeted DNA. For instance, if you start with one DNA molecule and run 30 cycles of PCR, you'll end up with 2^30 (over a billion) copies of the DNA sequence. This exponential growth showcases the power of PCR in producing a large quantity of DNA from a minute starting amount.
This process of using the previous cycle's products as templates enables PCR to achieve high specificity in amplifying the desired DNA sequence. It allows for selective replication of the target region, as the primers used in PCR are designed to bind specifically to the sequences of interest. Amplification ensures the exponential increase in the target DNA while maintaining specificity, making PCR a vital technique in various scientific fields, from diagnostics to genetic research.
Therefore the best answer is b) Amplification