Which type of PCR testing uses short primers that are not specifically complementary to a particular sequence of a target DNA?

The correct choice is based on the concept of arbitrary primed PCR, a technique that utilizes short primers that do not have a specific complementary sequence to the target DNA. This allows for the amplification of various segments of the genome, enabling researchers to access many different regions of DNA in a single reaction.

Arbitrary primed PCR works by using random or arbitrary primers to initiate the amplification process, which can lead to a diverse array of products reflecting different regions within the genomic DNA. This method is particularly useful in applications such as genomic fingerprinting, detecting polymorphisms, or comparing different genetic samples since it does not require pre-knowledge of specific sequences.

In contrast, other types of PCR, like real-time PCR and quantitative PCR, rely on specific primers that bind to known sequences to quantify or analyze the target DNA. Reverse transcription PCR focuses on converting RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) using specific primers, rather than utilizing arbitrary primers. Thus, the unique characteristic of arbitrary primed PCR, with its non-specific primers, distinctly identifies it among the options provided.