what is pcr used for

PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a laboratory technique used to amplify small segments of DNA. It is sometimes called "molecular photocopying" because it allows for the rapid and inexpensive amplification of DNA. The process involves heating the DNA to separate it into single strands, then using an enzyme called Taq polymerase to synthesize two new strands of DNA, resulting in the duplication of the original DNA. PCR is used in various laboratory and clinical techniques, including DNA fingerprinting, detection of bacteria or viruses, diagnosis of genetic disorders, and identifying genetic changes that can cause disease