In which case would use of RT-PCR most likely be the favored method?
A) A researcher is interested in knowing the expression level of one specific gene in brain tissue at a stage of rat development.
B) A researcher is interested in knowing how gene expression patterns across the genome change during acclimation to colder temperatures in a plant species.
C) A researcher is interested in knowing how gene expression patterns across the genome change during development of a fish.
D) A researcher is interested in which genes on the sex chromosomes are silenced during the early stages of meiosis.
E) A researcher is interested in knowing the number of genes in the genome of a puffer fish.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) is most useful to quantify the expression level of a specific gene in a complex sample. In this scenario, the researcher is interested in a specific gene expressed in rat brain tissue. Therefore, RT-PCR would be the favored method.

B, C, D, and E all involve analyzing expression patterns across the genome or identifying specific genes, which are not ideal tasks for RT-PCR. Alternative methods, such as microarrays or RNA sequencing, would be more appropriate.

In Which Case Would Use of RT-PCR Most Likely Be