Real-time polymerase chain reaction
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) is like a special machine that helps scientists look really closely at tiny bits of DNA. It's kind of like a big magnifying glass for DNA.
First, scientists add a tiny bit of DNA to the machine, which is called a PCR machine. They also add special ingredients to make the DNA copy itself so that there's more to look at.
Then, the machine heats up and cools down the DNA many times to make copies of it. The machine also adds special molecules that glow when there's lots of DNA to look at.
Scientists can see the glowing molecules on a screen in the machine. The more glowing molecules there are, the more DNA there is. This helps scientists see if there are any harmful things in the DNA like viruses or bacteria.
Real-time PCR is important because it helps scientists find things they can't see with their own eyes, and it helps them figure out how much of those things there are. It's like having a special superpower that lets you see things that are too small for regular eyes to see.
First, scientists add a tiny bit of DNA to the machine, which is called a PCR machine. They also add special ingredients to make the DNA copy itself so that there's more to look at.
Then, the machine heats up and cools down the DNA many times to make copies of it. The machine also adds special molecules that glow when there's lots of DNA to look at.
Scientists can see the glowing molecules on a screen in the machine. The more glowing molecules there are, the more DNA there is. This helps scientists see if there are any harmful things in the DNA like viruses or bacteria.
Real-time PCR is important because it helps scientists find things they can't see with their own eyes, and it helps them figure out how much of those things there are. It's like having a special superpower that lets you see things that are too small for regular eyes to see.