The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is useful for:

A) making many copies of a small amount of DNA
B) creating recombinant plasmids
C) analyzing a person’s fingerprints
D) cutting DNA into many small pieces
E) allowing restriction enzymes to cut DNA at palindromes

I can't decide between A and C

Thanks

c. decide.

To determine whether the answer is A, C, or both, let's break down the uses of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyze them:

A) Making many copies of a small amount of DNA: PCR is commonly used to amplify or make copies of a specific segment of DNA. It can take a very small sample of DNA and produce millions or even billions of copies through repeated cycles of DNA denaturation, annealing with primers, and DNA extension using a thermostable DNA polymerase. This makes A a likely answer.

C) Analyzing a person's fingerprints: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is not directly used for analyzing a person's fingerprints. However, it can be used in combination with other techniques such as gel electrophoresis or DNA sequencing to analyze specific regions of DNA, including those associated with identifying unique genetic markers used in forensic analysis.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is A) making many copies of a small amount of DNA. While PCR can indirectly contribute to analyzing a person's fingerprints, it is primarily used for DNA amplification.