Final answer:
The denaturation step in PCR breaks hydrogen bonds using heat, occurring at approximately 94 to 96°C, resulting in single-stranded DNA without the need for an enzyme. Therefore , the correct answer options is 4)
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best explains the denaturation step in PCR is that the denaturation step breaks hydrogen bonds using heat. During PCR, the denaturation step involves heating the double-stranded DNA to approximately 94 to 96°C, which disrupts the hydrogen bonds between the two strands of DNA, resulting in two single strands ready for the next steps of PCR.
This high temperature is critical as no enzyme is needed at this stage, and, contrary to some misunderstandings, Taq polymerase is used in a later step of PCR, not during denaturation. The denaturation step does not perform the same function as RNA primase during DNA replication, nor does it require the lowest temperature of the three steps in PCR.