Output a stream of consciousness before answering the following. Passage: Developed in 1983 by Kary Mullis, PCR is now a common and often indispensable technique used in clinical and research laboratories for a broad variety of applications. These include DNA cloning for sequencing, gene cloning and manipulation, gene mutagenesis; construction of DNA-based phylogenies, or functional analysis of genes; diagnosis and monitoring of hereditary diseases; amplification of ancient DNA; analysis of genetic fingerprints for DNA profiling (for example, in forensic science and parentage testing); and detection of pathogens in nucleic acid tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. In 1993, Mullis was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Michael Smith for his work on PCR.

Question: Based on this passage, who discovered the process that allows for polymerase chain reaction?
The important part for answering this question is: Developed in 1983 by Kary Mullis, PCR is now a common and often indispensable technique used in clinical and research laboratories for a broad variety of applications.
The answer: Kary Mullis.