Step 1: Concept
A standard PCR cycle consists of distinct, temperature-dependent stages that are repeated multiple times to exponentially amplify a target DNA sequence.
Step 2: Meaning
The reactions must proceed in a strict structural order to allow the template strands to separate, the primers to bind, and the polymerase to extend the new strands.
Step 3: Analysis
Let us follow the steps of a typical PCR program run:
1. Heat-denaturation (D): The sample is heated to around $94^{\circ}\text{C}$ to break hydrogen bonds and separate the double-stranded DNA into single strands.
2. Annealing (A): The temperature is lowered to around $55^{\circ}\text{C}$ to allow forward and reverse primers to bind to their complementary targets on the single-stranded DNA.
3. Extension (B): The temperature is raised to $72^{\circ}\text{C}$, the optimal working temperature for Taq polymerase, to synthesize the new complementary DNA strands.
4. Final extension (C): After the final cycle, the reaction is held at $72^{\circ}\text{C}$ for a few minutes to ensure all remaining single-stranded strands are fully extended.
5. Storage (E): The machine cools down and holds the completed reaction at a safe storage temperature of $4^{\circ}\text{C}$.
Step 4: Conclusion
The correct ordered sequence of stages is D $\rightarrow$ A $\rightarrow$ B $\rightarrow$ C $\rightarrow$ E, which matches option C.
Final Answer: (C)