Why is the use of 'DEPC-treated water' important during the preparation of RT-PCR reagents?
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Correct answer: It inactivates RNases to prevent RNA degradation
RNases are ubiquitous and very stable enzymes that degrade RNA. Diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) is a chemical that covalently modifies and inactivates these enzymes, ensuring the RNA template remains intact during the assay setup.
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