polymerase chain reaction

polymerase chain reaction A key technique in molecular genetics that permits the analysis of any short sequence of DNA or RNA without having to clone it. Abbreviated PCR. PCR is used to amplify selected sections of DNA in only a few hours. The PCR technique has innumerable uses, from diagnosing genetic diseases to DNA fingerprinting. PCR has become an essential tool for biologists, forensics labs, and scientists who want to study genetic material.