Real Time PCR – A Robust Molecular Technique for Ever

In recent years, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has emerged as a robust and widely used methodology for biological investigation because it can detect and quantify very small amounts of specific nucleic acid sequences. As a research tool, a major application of this technology is the rapid and accurate assessment of changes in gene expression as a result of physiology, clinical conditions, pathophysiology, or development. This method can be applied to model systems to measure responses to experimental stimuli and to gain insight into potential changes in protein level and function. Thus physiology can be correlated with molecular events to gain a better understanding of biological processes. Thus real-time PCR expands the influence of PCR-based innovations and presents intriguing directions for the future of biomedical sciences (especially molecular diagnostics and molecular physiology) and life science education (Walker, 2002).