Q: List the advantages and limitations of PCR

Advantages:
PCR is highly sensitive as it is capable of amplifying sequences from minute sequences of target DNA. It also has high fidelity as it produces the sequences required with a low error rate. It is also rapid as it can generate many copies within a short period of time. It is a quick and reliable method for detecting all mutations. Moreover, amplification can be done from unusual sources e.g. Egyptian mummies where the DNA quality is not good due to degradation.

Limitations:
Some knowledge of DNA/amino acid sequence of desired gene/protein is needed for the synthesis of flanking primers.
Non-target DNA sequence may be amplified instead, as primers are short and there is the possibility of many sequences complementary to primers. Also, Taq polymerase does not perform proofreading so there is the possibility of errors