A paleontologist has recovered a bit of tissue from the 400-year-old preserved skin of an extinct dodo (a bird). To compare a specific region of the DNA from a sample with DNA from living birds, which of the following would be most useful for increasing the amount of dodo DNA available for testing? a. SNP analysis b. polymerase chain reaction (PCR) c. electroporation d. gel electrophoresis

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the goal: The main objective is to increase the amount of dodo DNA available for testing to compare it with DNA from living birds.
2. Identify the correct technique: Among the options, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the technique specifically designed to amplify small segments of DNA, making millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence.
3. Eliminate other options: SNP analysis is used for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms, not for amplifying DNA. Electroporation is a method used to introduce DNA into cells, and gel electrophoresis is used for separating DNA fragments by size, not for amplifying DNA.
4. Understand how PCR works: PCR involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling to denature the DNA, anneal primers to specific sequences, and extend the DNA using a DNA polymerase. This results in the exponential amplification of the target DNA sequence.
5. Apply the technique: Using PCR, the paleontologist can generate sufficient quantities of the specific region of dodo DNA to allow for effective comparison with DNA from living birds.

Key Concepts

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, making millions of copies from a small initial sample. This process involves repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension, allowing researchers to generate sufficient quantities of DNA for analysis. In the context of the dodo DNA sample, PCR would be the most effective method to increase the amount of DNA available for comparison with living birds.

SNP Analysis

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis involves examining variations at single nucleotide positions in the DNA sequence among individuals. While SNP analysis can provide insights into genetic differences and relationships, it does not directly increase the quantity of DNA available for testing. Instead, it is typically used after sufficient DNA has been amplified to compare genetic variations.

Gel Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge. While it is useful for analyzing the results of PCR or other DNA manipulations, it does not amplify DNA itself. Instead, it helps visualize the DNA after amplification, making it a critical step in the analysis process but not in increasing the amount of DNA.