The function of polymerase chain reaction is

Options

A. transduction
B. DNA amplification
C. translation
D. None of these

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding PCR**: The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to amplify specific segments of DNA, generating thousands to millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence.

2. **Function of PCR**: The primary function of PCR is DNA amplification. This means that it synthesizes multiple copies of a specific DNA segment or gene of interest.

3. **Process of PCR**: The PCR process involves three main steps:
- **Denaturation**: The double-stranded DNA is heated to separate it into two single strands.
- **Annealing**: Short DNA sequences called primers bind to the single-stranded DNA at specific locations.
- **Extension**: The enzyme DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the primers, resulting in the formation of new double-stranded DNA.

4. **Enzyme Used**: The DNA polymerase commonly used in PCR is Taq polymerase, which is derived from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus. This enzyme is thermostable, meaning it can withstand the high temperatures used during the denaturation step without denaturing itself.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the function of the Polymerase Chain Reaction is primarily DNA amplification, making it a crucial tool in molecular biology for cloning, gene expression analysis, and various applications in research and diagnostics.