RT-PCR · Pathology

Which component is uniquely required in the master mix of an RT-PCR reaction but not in a standard DNA-PCR?

  1. Deoxynucleotide triphosphates
  2. Reverse Transcriptase enzyme
  3. Taq DNA Polymerase
  4. Magnesium Chloride ($MgCl_2$)
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Correct answer: Reverse Transcriptase enzyme

Standard PCR begins with a DNA template and uses a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase. RT-PCR requires a Reverse Transcriptase enzyme to first convert the RNA template into cDNA before the DNA polymerase can function.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 20

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