Gene amplification through PCR can amplify specific DNA sequences in vitro. It involves repeating cycles of heating and cooling of the DNA sample to denature and renature it in the presence of DNA polymerase and primers. PCR is used for a variety of applications including cloning genes, detecting infections, and diagnosing genetic disorders. Some challenges with PCR include errors from the polymerase enzyme and non-specific priming of primers to non-target DNA sequences.