PCR, short for Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a widely used technique in biotechnology that amplifies a specific segment of DNA. The process involves three main steps - denaturation, annealing, and extension. During denaturation, the double-stranded DNA is heated to separate the two strands. In the annealing step, primers bind to the specific target DNA sequences. And in the extension step, a DNA polymerase enzyme synthesizes new DNA strands complementary to the target sequence.
PCR is significant in biotechnology as it allows researchers to produce millions of copies of a specific DNA segment quickly and efficiently. This technique is valuable in various applications such as genetic testing, forensics, molecular biology research, and disease diagnosis. It has revolutionized the field of biotechnology by enabling the study of rare genetic sequences, detection of pathogens, and development of novel therapies.
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