Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifies DNA following the equation:

Question

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifies DNA following the equation:

1. A. N^2
2. B. 2^n (Correct answer)
3. C. 2n+1
4. D. 2N^2

Correct Answer

Option B — 2^n

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is $2^n$.

Key Points

• In PCR the DNA amount doubles every cycle, so after $n$ cycles it is amplified by a factor of $2^n$.
• For example, after 3 cycles: $2^3=8$ copies (fragments) are formed.