Question

Forensic scientists need to make additional copies of a DNA fragment: Which biotechnology tool should they use?

Select one: a. DNA Ligase
b. PCR
c.The gene gun: d. Gel electrophoresis
e.Restriction Enzymes

Answer 1

Forensic scientists should use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to make additional copies of a DNA fragment. PCR rapidly amplifies specific DNA sequences, making it a vital tool in forensic analysis to significantly increase the amount of DNA available for further examinations such as DNA fingerprinting.

Step-by-step explanation:

If forensic scientists need to make additional copies of a DNA fragment, the biotechnology tool they should use is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR is a technique that amplifies, or makes many copies of, specific DNA sequences in a short period of time. This process involves denaturing the DNA, annealing primers to target sequences, and extending the primers with a DNA polymerase to make new DNA strands. Thanks to this method, millions of copies of the desired DNA fragment can be produced, even from minute quantities of starting material. PCR has diverse applications in research, clinical, and forensic laboratories, including DNA identification in a crime scene investigation.

Other technologies mentioned, such as DNA ligase, restriction enzymes, and gel electrophoresis, play different roles in molecular biology. DNA ligase is used for joining DNA strands together, while restriction enzymes cleave specific DNA sequences and gel electrophoresis is used for separating DNA fragments based on size, which is useful in DNA fingerprinting and analysis after PCR amplification.