What is used to create many copies of DNA segments?

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a widely used technique that amplifies specific segments of DNA, allowing researchers to generate millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence from a small initial sample. This process involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling, which separate the DNA strands and enable the synthesis of new DNA strands using primers that are specific to the target sequence.

PCR is critical in various applications such as genetic research, forensic science, and medical diagnostics because it allows for the analysis of DNA even when only trace amounts are available. By amplifying the DNA, PCR makes it possible to perform detailed studies, such as identifying genetic mutations or matching DNA samples found at crime scenes to known individuals.

In contrast, the other options listed serve different functions within genetic analysis. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) is a technique that analyzes the patterns of DNA fragments after they have been cut by specific enzymes. Short Tandem Repeats (STR) refer to specific sequences of DNA that are repeated and are often used in forensic testing for DNA profiling, but they do not create copies themselves. Mitochondrial DNA analysis focuses on analyzing DNA passed down from the mother, which can be useful in maternal lineage studies but does not relate