Gene amplification is a biological process where specific segments of DNA are replicated multiple times, resulting in an increased number of copies of a particular gene. This can occur naturally in cells or be induced artificially in laboratory settings. The amplified genes can lead to higher levels of the corresponding proteins, which can affect cellular functions and traits. In research and medicine, gene amplification is often used in techniques like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to produce large quantities of DNA for analysis. It is also significant in cancer biology, where certain genes may be amplified, contributing to tumor growth and resistance to treatments.