Final answer:
The most direct form of direct DNA analysis is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), an amplification-based method that allows for the rapid generation of large quantities of specific DNA sequences without the need for cell-based DNA replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most direct form of direct DNA analysis is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR is a revolutionary molecular biology technique developed by Kary Mullis that amplifies a specific DNA sequence, making numerous copies for further analysis. This method eliminates the need for growing host cells of a genomic library to produce large amounts of DNA.
Amplification-based DNA analysis methods, such as PCR, are crucial in research, forensic, clinical laboratories, and for various applications like disease study, genome mapping, and investigation of human genomic disorders. For instance, in the case of sickle cell anemia, Southern blotting is the best technique to detect polymorphisms affecting hemoglobin in red blood cells.