In the context of biotechnology, what does PCR stand for?

The term PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, which is a fundamental technique in biotechnology used to amplify specific segments of DNA. This process involves the use of a polymerase enzyme to synthesize new DNA strands from existing ones, effectively doubling the amount of DNA with each cycle of the reaction. The technique relies on repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension, allowing researchers to produce millions of copies of a targeted DNA sequence from a small initial sample. This capability has revolutionized fields such as genetic research, forensics, and medical diagnostics, as it allows for detailed analysis and manipulation of genetic material, making it a cornerstone of modern molecular biology.