A forensic scientist recovers a minute amount of DNA from a crime scene and needs to obtain billions of identical copies of a specific DNA segment to proceed with the analysis. If this amplification must be performed entirely in vitro without using any living host cells or vectors, which of the following techniques should be employed?

Step-by-step solution

The process of obtaining multiple identical copies of a specific DNA molecule in vitro (outside a living organism) without using host cells or vectors is achieved through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR allows for the exponential amplification of a target DNA segment using primers and a thermostable DNA polymerase. Recombinant DNA technology (gene cloning) is an in vivo method that requires living host cells and vectors to multiply the DNA. Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments