What does RT-PCR specifically detect?

RT-PCR, or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, is a technique specifically designed to detect RNA sequences. This method starts by converting RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) through the action of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Once the RNA has been converted into cDNA, traditional PCR amplification can then be used to selectively replicate the cDNA, allowing for the detection and quantification of specific RNA molecules present in a sample.

This makes RT-PCR a valuable tool in various fields, especially in virology and molecular biology, for identifying pathogens that contain RNA genomes, such as viruses. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR make it particularly effective for diagnosing infections, where the presence of viral RNA can indicate an active infection. Consequently, the focus of RT-PCR on RNA rather than DNA or other macrocomponents like proteins or cell responses is what clearly defines its purpose in detecting specific sequences unique to particular pathogens.