What is a defining characteristic of LCR technology in genetics?

LCR, or ligase chain reaction, is a method utilized in molecular biology that hinges on the specific action of ligases to join oligonucleotide primers selectively. This characteristic is central to how LCR functions, as it relies on the ligation of perfectly complementary DNA fragments. By employing high-fidelity ligation, LCR can amplify sequences of interest with remarkable specificity, distinguishing it from other amplification techniques.

The use of ligases ensures that only those primers that match the target sequence perfectly will be joined, which is crucial when dealing with applications where precision is essential, such as analyzing genetic mutations or polymorphisms. This specificity contributes to the technology's utility in detecting single nucleotide variations and other subtle genetic changes, making LCR a valuable tool in genetic studies and diagnostics.

In contrast, the other options mischaracterize important aspects of LCR. While it does not require high temperatures for ligation—unlike other reactions such as PCR—it operates best at lower temperatures that facilitate the ligation process without denaturing the DNA. Moreover, LCR's sensitivity to point mutations is a critical feature, as it allows the detection of variations that would otherwise be overlooked. Lastly, LCR is not designed to amplify entire genomes; rather, it amplifies