News > PCR and qPCR, What’s the Difference?

PCR and qPCR, What’s the difference?

What is PCR?

Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, is a laboratory technique invented by Kary Mullis in the 1980s that allows you to make a big amount of DNA from a little amount of DNA. PCR is typically employed as a step in other procedures such as DNA sequencing, pathogen detection, and gel electrophoresis. PCR is a commonly used diagnostic tool in domains such as virology, microbiology, parasitology, mycology, and dentistry.

What is qPCR (Real-Time PCR)?

PCR had limitations as it was not quantitative, it only revealed the presence or absence of a target. The development of qPCR, also known as Real-Time PCR or RT-PCR, has changed that. qPCR allows quantitative analysis via the addition of a fluorescent dye. Software is used to detect and analyse the signal generated when fluorescence is emitted from the sample. The amplification of the signal is in direct proportion to the amount of PCR product therefore, results are quantitative. qPCR generates faster and more accurate results as they are available in real time as the experiment progresses, it is a useful tool in clinical diagnostics as well as research.

What is Reverse-transcription PCR?

PCR had limitations as it was not quantitative, it only revealed the presence or absence of a target. The development of qPCR, also known as Real-Time PCR or RT-PCR, has changed that. qPCR allows quantitative analysis via the addition of a fluorescent dye. Software is used to detect and analyse the signal generated when fluorescence is emitted from the sample. The amplification of the signal is in direct proportion to the amount of PCR product therefore, results are quantitative. qPCR generates faster and more accurate results as they are available in real time as the experiment progresses, it is a useful tool in clinical diagnostics as well as research.

Applications and uses of PCR and qPCR

PCR is a straightforward procedure for detecting the presence or absence of DNA. qPCR provides real-time data on reaction rates, as well as information on the amount of DNA present in the sample at any given moment; in other words, it can measure the rate of gene expression. This helps molecular biologists better comprehend protein production and, as a result, biological processes in health and illness. Real-time or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is used to detect gene expression, pathogen presence and quantity, and RNA, as well as to validate DNA microarray results and for environmental applications.

Because technique can detect a wide variety of expression levels inside the same well, qPCR offers the benefit of high throughput and a wider dynamic range. It can be more cost-effective to run because of its multiplexing features, which allow several targets to be amplified inside the same experiment, high throughput, and quick results.

Equipment for use with PCR and qPCR

For amplification, characterisation, quantification, and analysis of nucleic acids, qPCR is the best option.

It is ideal for use with optical technology when coupled with fluorescent dyes, hence excellent quality, clear microplates, and films are required.

Check out our qPCR product line

PCR can also be used to amplify and identify small DNA sequences for further analysis, such as gel electrophoresis. Because PCR is not utilized in optical applications, transparent microplates and films are not required. However, it is always a good idea to use high-quality microplates that will be dependable and durable in the long run; examples may be found here. 

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