The RT-PCR measures buildup of the product during
the exponential phase of the reaction, which can be observed
on an amplification plot (Giulietti et al., 2001).
Results of real time RT-PCR can be observed while the
amplification plot itself is being generated without further
detection techniques. Consequently, detection of PCR
products avoids the use of agarose gel electrophoresis
and ethidium bromide staining, which can be less precise.
SYBR Green is a fluorescent dye with a high affinity for
double-stranded DNA that shows its fluorescence when
bound to double stranded cDNA (Dhar et al., 2002; Li et
al., 2003). Accumulation of fluorescence is read at the end
of each cycle via the target amplification.