The Question is from neet-botany biotechnology medicine, and it was created by the author K SURESH KUMAR

Question

A scientist is studying a viral infection.  To track the progression of the infection in a patient sample, which molecular technique would be most appropriate for quantifying the amount of viral DNA present?

K SURESH KUMAR · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: Option B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Quantitative molecular techniques for DNA quantification
 **Related Topics**: PCR, qPCR, ELISA, Southern blotting, viral load, molecular diagnostics
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of DNA, PCR principles, and applications of different molecular biology techniques.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The goal is to quantify the amount of viral DNA in a patient sample to track infection progression.
  Several molecular techniques are available.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each technique's suitability for quantifying viral DNA.
  Reasoning: We need a method that provides quantitative data on the amount of viral DNA present, allowing us to track changes over time.
  Formula/Rule: N/A (This is a qualitative comparison of techniques)
 2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each technique.
  Working: 
		* **PCR (Option A):**  PCR amplifies DNA, but standard PCR is qualitative (detects presence/absence) not quantitative (amount). It requires post-PCR analysis to estimate quantity (e.g., gel electrophoresis), which is less precise.
		* **Real-time PCR (qPCR) (Option B):** qPCR measures the amount of DNA amplified during each cycle, providing a direct quantitative measurement of the starting DNA. This is ideal for tracking viral load.
		* **ELISA (Option C):** ELISA is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay used to detect proteins (antibodies or antigens), not DNA.  It's unsuitable for quantifying viral DNA.
		* **Southern blotting (Option D):** Southern blotting is used to detect specific DNA sequences, but it's not a quantitative method. It's qualitative and less sensitive than qPCR.
 3. Select the most appropriate technique.
  Result: Real-time PCR (qPCR) is the most suitable technique for quantifying viral DNA, providing accurate and real-time data on viral load changes.
  Verification: qPCR is widely used in clinical diagnostics and research to quantify viral loads in infectious diseases.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: PCR is not a quantitative method for directly measuring DNA amounts.  It requires additional steps for quantification, which are less precise than qPCR.
B ✓: Real-time PCR (qPCR) directly measures DNA amplification in real-time, providing accurate quantitative data on viral load.
 C :x: ELISA is used for detecting proteins, not DNA. It's not applicable in this scenario.
D :x: Southern blotting is a qualitative technique used to detect specific DNA sequences, not for quantifying DNA amounts.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Confusing PCR and qPCR: PCR is qualitative; qPCR is quantitative.
  How to avoid: Understand the fundamental differences between the two techniques and their applications.
  2. Selecting ELISA or Southern blotting: These techniques are not designed for DNA quantification.
  How to avoid: Carefully consider the type of analyte being measured and the desired outcome (qualitative vs. quantitative).
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. For quantifying DNA or RNA, qPCR is the gold standard.
  2. Remember ELISA is for proteins, Southern blotting is for specific DNA sequences.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

PCR

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The correct Option is "Real-time PCR (qPCR)"

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

ELISA

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Southern blotting

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