Name a common laboratory technique used for DNA analysis.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a fundamental laboratory technique used for DNA analysis. This method enables the amplification of specific DNA sequences, making it possible to generate millions of copies from a minute amount of DNA. This amplification is crucial for various applications, including genetic testing, forensic analysis, and research, as it allows for detailed examination even when the initial DNA sample is very scarce.

The process of PCR involves repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension, utilizing specific primers that bind to the target DNA sequence. This specificity and efficiency make PCR an invaluable tool in molecular biology and genetics, facilitating diverse applications such as cloning, gene expression analysis, and pathogen detection.

The other techniques listed, while important in molecular and cellular biology, do not serve the primary purpose of DNA amplification in the same manner that PCR does. For example, mass spectrometry is primarily used for analyzing the mass and structure of biomolecules, Western blotting is used to detect specific proteins, and chromatography is typically employed for separating and analyzing mixtures of compounds rather than amplifying DNA sequences.