What is the Difference Between PCR and Real-time PCR?

The main difference between PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and real-time PCR, also known as quantitative PCR (qPCR), lies in the timing of the detection and the method of quantification. Here are the key differences:

1. Detection timing: PCR detects the amplified DNA at the end of the reaction, while real-time PCR measures the accumulation of amplicon during the reaction, specifically during the exponential phase.
2. Quantification: PCR typically uses agarose gels or other post-PCR detection methods, which are not as precise as real-time PCR. Real-time PCR uses fluorescent dyes or probes to quantify the amount of target DNA present in the sample during the reaction.
3. Sensitivity and precision: Real-time PCR provides more accurate quantitation and is more sensitive than traditional PCR, as it measures the kinetics of the reaction in the early phases of PCR. This allows for the detection of small fold change differences.
4. Applications: PCR is typically used to amplify DNA for sequencing or other downstream applications, while real-time PCR is preferred for applications such as gene expression analysis, miRNA analysis, and copy number variation analysis.

In summary, real-time PCR offers advantages over traditional PCR in terms of detection timing, quantification, sensitivity, and precision, making it a popular choice for various applications in molecular biology and genetics.

Comparative Table: PCR vs Real-time PCR

Here is a table comparing the differences between PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Real-time PCR (also known as qPCR or quantitative PCR):

Both PCR and qPCR are polymerase chain reaction techniques used to amplify specific sections of DNA. The main difference between the two is that qPCR is a real-time method, while PCR is not. This means that with qPCR, you can monitor the amplification of your target DNA in real-time as it is happening, allowing for quantification of the target DNA.