PCR is commonly used in research, forensics, and for the diagnosis of pathogens and genetic diseases.A commercial standardized diagnostic PCR test has been developed that uses one set of primers to amplify a short DNA template.For which of the following scenarios would such a standardized PCR test be most appropriate:
A) Identifying a suspect using hair found at the site of a robbery.
B) Testing for the presence of the bacteria Shigella in a water supply.
C) Testing, generally, for bacterial, fungal, and amoebic contamination of a water supply.
D) Isolation of the full myoglobin gene from a large piece of muscle.
E) Using a fecal sample to determine which dog is off leash in the neighborhood.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A standardized PCR test would be most appropriate for testing for the presence of a specific pathogen, such as Shigella, in a water supply. This is because the test uses one set of primers to amplify a specific DNA template, allowing for highly sensitive and specific detection of the target pathogen. The other options involve either identifying a suspect using hair, testing for general bacterial, fungal, or amoebic contamination, isolating a full gene sequence, or determining the source of a fecal sample, which would require different types of PCR assays or other techniques.

PCR Is Commonly Used in Research, Forensics, and for the Diagnosis