What technology uses DNA to identify individuals?

DNA fingerprinting is the technology that uses variations in an individual's DNA to identify them. This technique analyzes specific regions of DNA that are known to vary greatly among individuals, such as short tandem repeats (STRs) or variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs). Each person's DNA profile is unique, except for identical twins, which allows for accurate identification in forensic science, paternity testing, and genetic research.

This method involves the extraction of DNA from biological samples, followed by amplification and analysis to create a DNA profile. By comparing the profiles from different individuals, it is possible to determine relationships or identify individuals based on their unique genetic markers.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes: DNA replication is the process by which DNA is copied within cells, DNA sequencing refers to determining the exact sequence of nucleotides in DNA, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify segments of DNA for further analysis. While they are essential techniques in molecular biology and genetics, they do not specifically identify individuals based on their unique DNA characteristics as DNA fingerprinting does.