What is nucleic acid amplification used for?

Nucleic acid amplification is a technique primarily used to analyze genetic material by increasing the number of copies of a specific DNA or RNA sequence. This is achieved through processes such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or isothermal amplification methods, which allow for the detection, identification, or quantification of genetic material even in very small samples. The ability to replicate DNA or RNA makes it easier to study gene expression, mutations, and other genetic characteristics, providing valuable insights in fields such as genetics, microbiology, oncology, and agricultural biotechnology.

While creating genetically modified crops and enhancing nutrient uptake in plants involve understanding genetic material, they are distinct processes that may use nucleic acid amplification as a part of the research, rather than being its primary purpose. Increasing crop yield is a broader agricultural goal that can be influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, but it does not directly relate to the use of nucleic acid amplification techniques. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the foundational role that amplification plays in genetic analysis.