Question

Reverse transciptase PCR is also carried out at times. Which of the statement is true?

(a) Amplification of RNA samples is not required for knowing the abundance of mRNA

(b) Both the start and the end primers are used

(c) Only a single cDNA strand is synthesized before the PCR

(d) The primer used is always specific

The question was posed to me during an online exam.

I need to ask this question from Modifications in PCR in section Polymerase Chain Reaction of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

Right choice is (d) The primer used is always specific

To explain: Reverse transciptase PCR is carried out by the use of reverse transciptase enzyme. RNA amplification is necessary at times to know the abundance of mRNA. In this only one primer is used and one cDNA strand is synthesized before the PCR. The primer can be oligo-dT for general cDNA synthesis or a specific primer is used.