Real Time PCR: Real Time PCR Machine

2007-07-18 16:23:30

( Education )



In the early days of molecular biology, scientists had to contend with the problem of low DNA concentration, as well as the inability to standardize DNA content for their experiments. To solve this problem, Kary Mullis, in his Nobel-prize winning work, used a mixture of enzymes, buffers, and a machine to carry out the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR.

PCR has long since evolved into a versatile technique, with modifications to suit the needs of various scientists. One modification is the real time polymerase chain reaction, or real time PCR, which solves the two main problems that molecular biologists once thought to be hopeless. Often used in the form of quantitative real time PCR, or quantitative RT PCR, scientists can know immediately the DNA content in their mixtures even before the PCR run is finished.

Real Time PCR

Knowing the DNA concentration in advance also allows scientists to anticipate the next step of their experiments. This advantage of real time PCR is useful for all kinds of molecular biology work. It can be used in disease diagnosis, where PCR is needed to point out the presence of a sequence of DNA unique to a specific pathogen. Real time PCR can also indirectly quantify the amount of microbes present, which can facilitate speedy, efficient treatment.

Population geneticists may also need a real time PCR machine to identify unknown species, or search for genetic links to its relatives around the world. Real time PCR can be useful for immunology studies, where the effects of therapeutic drugs can be assessed by quantifying the number of pathogens before and after the therapy is carried out.

Real Time PCR Machine

There are many experiments for which a real time PCR machine will be useful. The real time PCR protocol is similar to other PCR protocols, although the primers or free nucleotides used for real time PCR will be labeled with fluorescent dyes in order to quantify the number of PCR copies present in the reaction mixture at any time during the PCR run. This versatility also translates into high costs for the real time PCR machine, so you may need to completely assess your laboratory needs and finances before you purchase a real time PCR machine.

Not only is a real time PCR machine expensive, but repairs on it can take long to carry out. A real time PCR machine will be equipped with lasers and sensors, and will be sensitive to changes in temperature or movement. If you are interested in using a real time PCR machine, be sure to obtain a warranty, and ask your real time PCR machine provider to conduct a real time PCR tutorial for your laboratory.

Real time PCR is a versatile, valuable tool for different kinds of molecular biology work. If you use it wisely, and purchase a good brand for a reasonable price, then you will have much less to worry about in terms of research equipment.


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