Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a molecular biology technique that is used to amplify and measure the amount of a specific DNA or RNA sequence in a sample. It is a highly sensitive and specific method that can be used to detect and quantify the amount of a specific sequence in a sample, even when it is present at very low levels.
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qPCR is based on the same principles as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), but it includes additional steps that allow for the quantitative measurement of the amplified DNA or RNA. In qPCR, a sample of DNA or RNA is first amplified using PCR. During the amplification process, specific fluorescent dyes or probes are added to the reaction mixture, which bind to the amplified DNA or RNA. As the amplification proceeds, the amount of fluorescent signal produced increases in proportion to the amount of amplified DNA or RNA.
After the amplification is complete, the qPCR machine measures the amount of fluorescence produced during the reaction. This allows the researcher to determine the amount of the specific DNA or RNA sequence present in the sample. Because the amount of fluorescence produced is directly proportional to the amount of amplified DNA or RNA, qPCR can be used to accurately measure the amount of a specific sequence in a sample, even when it is present at very low levels.
qPCR is an important molecular biology technique that allows researchers to quickly and accurately measure the amount of a specific DNA or RNA sequence in a sample, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of diseases and other biological processes.