RT-PCR · Pathology

In the context of RT-PCR, what is the specific purpose of using 'Oligo(dT)' primers during the reverse transcription step?

To bind specifically to ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
To target a specific gene sequence of interest
To bind to the poly-A tail of eukaryotic mRNA
To prevent the formation of secondary RNA structures

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Correct answer: To bind to the poly-A tail of eukaryotic mRNA

Oligo(dT) primers consist of a string of deoxythymidine residues that hybridize to the poly-adenosine (poly-A) tail found at the 3' end of most eukaryotic mRNA. This allows for the selective conversion of the entire mRNA population into cDNA.

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In the context of RT-PCR, what is the specific purpose of using 'Oligo(dT)' primers during the reverse transcription step?

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