What is Public-Key Cryptography (PKC)?

Public-key cryptography (PKC) is a cryptographic system that utilizes alphanumeric keys that work together in a pair: public keys, which can be distributed to others, and private keys, which are known only by their owner. Public keys are used to receive cryptocurrencies on the blockchain. They are also used to send cryptocurrencies in conjunction with the use of the public key's corresponding private key. The generation of these keys is made possible through cryptographic algorithms that produce one-way functions. Public-key cryptography is also known as asymmetric cryptography.