AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, is a technique to make many copies of a specific DNA region in vitro (in a test tube rather than an organism). PCR relies on a thermostable DNA polymerase, Taq polymerase, and requires DNA primers designed specifically for the DNA region of interest.

Detailed explanation-2: -During these thermal cycles, DNA primers bind to the target DNA sequence, enabling DNA polymerases to assemble copies of the target sequence in large quantities. PCR makes it possible to produce millions of copies of a DNA sequence in a test tube in just a few hours, even with a very small initial amount of DNA.

Detailed explanation-3: -To amplify a segment of DNA using PCR, the sample is first heated so the DNA denatures, or separates into two pieces of single-stranded DNA. Next, an enzyme called “Taq polymerase” synthesizes-builds-two new strands of DNA, using the original strands as templates.

Detailed explanation-4: -With the technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), scientists can make multiple copies of a specific genetic sequence within DNA. PCR is a powerful tool for researchers because it allows for other types of genetic analysis that require large quantities of DNA.

Detailed explanation-5: -Rather, PCR involves the synthesis of multiple copies of specific DNA fragments using an enzyme known as DNA polymerase. This method allows for the creation of literally billions of DNA molecules within a matter of hours, making it much more efficient than the cloning of expressed genes.