Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR)

Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR)

Description:

RT-PCR follows the same procedure preceded by a reverse transcription step, where the RNA template is first converted into a complementary DNA (cDNA) using a reverse transcriptase (RT). The cDNA is then used as a template for exponential amplification using PCR.

A laboratory method used to make many copies of a specific genetic sequence for analysis. It uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to change a specific piece of RNA into a matching piece of DNA. This piece of DNA is then amplified (made in large numbers) by another enzyme called DNA polymerase. The amplified DNA copies help tell whether a specific mRNA molecule is being made by a gene. 

Test Details

Applications of RT-PCR
  • Disease Diagnosis:
    Used for diagnosing infectious diseases by detecting the genetic material of pathogens like viruses and bacteria. 
  • Gene Expression Analysis:
    Measures the amount of specific RNA to understand gene activity. 
  • Detection of Specific Pathogens:
    Widely used for the detection and quantification of RNA-based viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). 
  • Cancer Research:
    Can be used to diagnose cancer by looking for specific gene changes or gene activation. 

    Reference:
    RT-qPCR - qPCR Protocol

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