Question

Human immunodeficiency virus contains an RNA as its genetic material. Between standard PCR and RT-PCR techniques, which one would you employ to amplify a desired gene from this RNA virus? Explain how you would monitor disease progression and therapy response from an AIDS patient using PCR.

Answer 1

Question

HIV is the virus that have RNA as the genetic material and this virus cause the AIDS. The RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase PCR) is used to amplified a desired gene from this virus. This is because RT-PCR first convert RNA into DNA using reverse transcriptase enzyme and then amplify that DNA molecule. The doctor monitor the progression of AIDS using HIV genetic material or RNA present in the sample which is quantified with the help of polymerase chain reaction. The therapy response can be checked by observing the decrease in genetic material of the virus.