Which molecular technique is used to amplify a specific DNA segment?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which molecular technique is used to amplify a specific DNA segment?
Gel electrophoresis
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
DNA sequencing
Cloning
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which molecular technique is used to amplify a specific DNA segment?
Correct Answer: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Step 1: Identify the specific DNA segment you want to amplify.
Step 2: Prepare a mixture that includes the DNA segment, primers (short DNA pieces that match the start and end of the segment), DNA polymerase (an enzyme that copies DNA), and nucleotides (building blocks of DNA).
Step 3: Heat the mixture to separate the two strands of the DNA segment.
Step 4: Cool the mixture so the primers can attach to the specific DNA segment.
Step 5: Raise the temperature again so the DNA polymerase can start making copies of the DNA segment.
Step 6: Repeat steps 3 to 5 multiple times (usually 25-35 cycles) to create millions of copies of the specific DNA segment.
