4-6-4 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Amplifying DNA

Question 1

A brief definition of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer 1

A technique involving DNA polymerase and “primers” in which many copies of a gene or DNA fragment can be made in a very short period of time.

Question 2

What are some applications of the PCR technique?

Answer 2

Detection of DNA sequences and diagnosis of genetic diseases. For example: DNA fingerprinting, detecting viruses such as HIV, and research into human evolution.