What is the primary application of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

All of the above.

The primary application of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) spans across various fields in molecular biology and diagnostics. It is a versatile technique used for amplifying specific DNA sequences. All of the options listed are common applications of PCR:

To detect HIV in suspected AIDS patients.

To detect mutations in the genes of suspected cancer patients.

To diagnose many genetic disorders.

Advanced techniques such as Recombinant DNA technology, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) play a significant role in achieving early diagnosis and enhancing treatment outcomes.

The presence of pathogens like bacteria and viruses is usually suspected only when disease symptoms become apparent, by which time the pathogen concentration in the body is already high. However, even at low concentrations (when symptoms are not yet visible), bacteria or viruses can be detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which amplifies their nucleic acids for detection.

PCR is now a standard method used to detect HIV in suspected AIDS patients and to identify gene mutations in suspected cancer patients. This powerful technique is also employed for the identification of various genetic disorders and has become an essential tool in molecular diagnostics. By enabling early and accurate detection of pathogens and genetic abnormalities, PCR contributes significantly to timely and precise medical interventions.