Which of the following is a purpose of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)?

The purpose of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is to amplify specific DNA sequences for further study. PCR is a powerful technique that allows researchers to create millions of copies of a particular DNA segment from a small initial sample. This amplification is critical in numerous applications, including cloning, genetic analysis, forensic investigations, and diagnosing diseases. By selectively amplifying the target sequence, scientists can produce enough material for analysis, ensuring accurate results in subsequent experiments.

While sequencing DNA and synthesizing proteins are important processes in genetics and molecular biology, they are not the primary goals of PCR. Sequencing typically involves analyzing already amplified DNA, while protein synthesis relies on different mechanisms, such as transcription and translation, rather than PCR. Additionally, visualizing DNA is generally performed as a separate technique, such as gel electrophoresis, rather than being a direct purpose of PCR itself. Hence, the focus on amplification makes the purpose of PCR clear and distinct from other molecular biology techniques.