KäänteistranskriptioPCRää

KäänteistranskriptioPCRää, often abbreviated as RT-PCR, is a laboratory technique used to detect and quantify RNA. It combines the process of reverse transcription with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Initially, RNA is converted into complementary DNA (cDNA) using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This cDNA then serves as the template for PCR amplification. The PCR process amplifies specific DNA sequences, generating millions of copies from a small starting amount.

The amplified DNA is then detected and quantified. This detection can be done in real-time using fluorescent probes, a method known as real-time RT-PCR or quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Real-time monitoring allows for the measurement of the initial amount of RNA present in the sample. The more RNA that was initially present, the faster the fluorescence signal will reach a detectable threshold.

RT-PCR is a powerful tool with wide applications in molecular biology and diagnostics. It is extensively used for gene expression analysis, allowing researchers to study how much of a particular RNA molecule is present in a cell or tissue. This is crucial for understanding cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and the effects of drugs. In clinical settings, RT-PCR is a gold standard for detecting RNA viruses, such as influenza, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2, by identifying their genetic material. Its sensitivity and specificity make it invaluable for both research and diagnostic purposes.