RT-PCR: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Applications

RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a laboratory technique used to detect and measure RNA molecules. It involves the conversion of RNA to complementary DNA (cDNA) by reverse transcription, followed by amplification of the cDNA using PCR. RT-PCR is commonly used in molecular biology and diagnostic testing to detect RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and to quantify gene expression levels.