The polymerase chain reaction is used to
Correct answer: B. make millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence in a few hours
- A. cut DNA into fragments of known length
- B. make millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence in a few hours
- C. read the amino acid sequence of a protein
- D. insert a gene into a human cell
Explanation
Repeated cycles of heating to separate the strands, cooling so that primers bind, and extension by a heat stable polymerase double the amount of DNA each time, giving exponential amplification. Taq polymerase from a hot spring bacterium is used because it survives the near boiling denaturation step. The technique is what makes forensic work and viral testing possible from tiny samples.
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Biotechnology applies genetic engineering, cell culture and recombinant DNA methods to medicine and public health. The material includes production of insulin, vaccines and antibiotics, diagnostic techniques, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms and the ethical concerns surrounding manipulation of human genes.
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