Chapter 13, Problem 16A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Polymerase chain reaction is a technique used to make millions of copies of a specific region of DNA fragment. It can replicate DNA outside the living organisms. It is extremely sensitive and can detect a single DNA molecule in a sample. PCR is an important tool for molecular biologists as it helps in diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Answer to Problem 16A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option A. to amplify DNA

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option A. to amplify DNA − PCR is used to make copies of DNA from a single molecule.it can be used to amplify DNA many times to be used for DNA analysis. Once the sequence of DNA fragment is known, PCR can be done in a machine that uses heat to separate DNA strands and then replicate DNA using an enzyme. It can make millions of copies of DNA in a day. Hence, this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option B. to cut DNA − PCR is done to make millions of copies of a specific region of DNA fragment. It cannot cut DNA. To cut DNA restriction enzymes are used. Hence, this is not the correct option.

Option C. to ligate DNA- PCR is used to make millions of copies of a specific region of DNA fragment. DNA ligase is used to ligate DNA. Hence, this is not the correct option.

Option D. to separate DNA − PCR is used to make millions of copies of a specific region of DNA fragment. The two strands of template DNA fragment are separated by heating. Hence, this is not the correct option.