In 1991 skeleton study, why was PCR used?

• A. Only small amounts obtained / PCR increases the amount / mass of DNA
• B. PCR sequences the DNA
• C. PCR converts DNA to protein
• D. PCR destroys DNA

Answer: (A)

PCR is a method that makes many copies of a specific DNA region. In the 1991 skeleton study, the DNA recovered from bones is extremely limited and often degraded. PCR is used because it can take that tiny amount of DNA and amplify it so there’s enough material to study. This amplification is essential for ancient DNA work, where samples are precious and scarce. PCR itself doesn’t sequence DNA—that requires separate steps after amplification. It also doesn’t convert DNA into protein, and its main purpose isn’t to destroy DNA; it’s to create more copies of the DNA you want to analyze.