---
title: "Polymerase Chain Reaction — AP Bio Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "PCR amplifies a specific DNA segment through cycles of denaturing, annealing primers, and extension. Learn how it shows up in AP Bio Unit 6 biotech."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-bio/key-terms/polymerase-chain-reaction"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Biology"
---

# Polymerase Chain Reaction — AP Bio Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA. It allows researchers to make multiple copies of a particular DNA sequence in order to study it or use it for further experiments.

## Review

### Related Terms

- Primers: Short DNA sequences that serve as starting points for the PCR reaction.
- [Denaturation](/ap-bio/key-terms/denaturation): The process in which the double-stranded DNA template is heated to separate its two strands.
- Taq polymerase: A heat-resistant enzyme used in PCR to synthesize new DNA strands.