Biotech Certification Practice Test 2025 - Free Biotech Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The purpose of PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, in biotechnology is primarily to amplify DNA sequences for analysis. This powerful technique allows scientists to take a small sample of DNA and produce millions of copies of a specific DNA segment. This amplification is crucial in various applications, such as genetic testing, forensic analysis, cloning, and studying genetic diseases.

By amplifying targeted DNA, researchers can analyze the structure, function, and variations of genes. This enables them to conduct experiments that require substantial amounts of DNA, which might not be available in the original sample. The accurate and efficient amplification of DNA sequences is a fundamental tool in molecular biology, making PCR an invaluable technique in the biotech field.

The other options reference processes that are relevant to biotechnology but do not accurately describe the primary function of PCR. Creating new proteins for vaccines involves different methods such as recombinant DNA technology. Sequencing entire genomes requires sophisticated techniques beyond just amplification, and genetically modifying plants typically involves techniques like CRISPR or Agrobacterium-mediated transformation rather than PCR itself.