Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a laboratory technique used to measure the amount of specific DNA in a sample. It works by amplifying (making many copies of) the target DNA so that it can be easily detected. As the process occurs, a fluorescent dye signals the quantity of DNA produced in real-time, allowing researchers to quantify how much of the target DNA was originally present. This method is widely used in research, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring to study genetic material and detect pathogens, making it a powerful tool in molecular biology.