Eli5: How does an RTPCR work ?

Question

Eli5: How does an RTPCR work ?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Like PCR but RNA needs to be transcribed into cDNA first, because PCR does not work with RNA (taq polymerase can’t read RNA). Then usual procedure, denaturation (“opening” of the two strands through temperature), annealing (binding of a recognition complex for duplication process) and elongation (actual duplication of the strand). Process is repeated until you have “enough” material.