Real Time PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction is one of the most powerful tools used in modern biotechnology. The impact of PCR cannot be overstated. There are many applications, which include crime scene forensic analysis, archeological and paleontological research, and the detection of food contamination.
Real Time PCR Has Numerous Advantages Over Conventional PCR
Real Time PCR allows a researcher to observe the amplification as it is actually happening, while conventional PCR only permits a researcher to observe the end result of the amplification, with negligible quantitative accuracy. Real Time PCR enables accurate data quantification during the exponential growth phase. With the use of fluorescent reporter dyes, it becomes possible to acquire accurate identification of amplicon product through the analysis of product accumulation during each cycle.
Real Time PCR has a significantly reduced risk of contamination compared to conventional PCR, since the entire amplification and analysis for a given reaction is contained in a single tube, while conventional PCR requires multiple transfers to other tubes and gels.
Real Time PCR negates the need for time-consuming labor-intensive post-amplification processing, while conventional PCR requires a researcher to prepare an agarose gel for analysis of the amplicon, which is time consuming, prone to error, and depending on the nature of the desired tests, very costly.
Real Time PCR Has Powerful Applications
Real Time PCR is a powerful tool for medical microbiology applications. It quantitatively analyzes gene transcription, which enables the study of gene expression. It is highly effective in the diagnosis of pathogenic organisms, due to its rapid detection of nucleic acids. In addition to basic research, this can have strong applications for medical diagnosis of infectious disease and genetic abnormalities. Further, it can provide insight into cell and tissue responses to drugs and environmental changes, aiding pharmacological, toxicological, and ecological research.