define real time PCR?

Question

quantitative,

Answer 1

The first post had some of the right information.

Real-time PCR is PCR that adds a fluorescent marker to conventional PCR, either in the form of a dye that binds to double stranded DNA, or in the form of a fluorescently tagged DNA oligo. As the PCR proceeds, either the dye is incorporated into the product, or the oligo is chewed up releasing a fluorescent dye. The net result is the same, as DNA is produced fluorescence increases. The reaction can be monitored in "real time" by measuring the amount of fluorescence in the tube at any given PCR cycle. Real time PCR is also quantitative, meaning you can fairly accurately compare the amount of starting template DNA between two reactions by comparing how early in PCR fluorescence reaches detectable levels.

Answer 2

Real time PCR, (Polymerase Chain Reaction), is a procedure in which a specific section of DNA is amplified in cycles.
After one cycle, 1 piece of DNA will become 2, after 2 cycles those 2 pieces become 4 and after 3 cycles those 4 become 8 etc etc. Usually there is about 40 cycles.
After each cycle the fluorescence is measured and a graph is produced. The graph should contain a curve that is sigmodal. Slow to start of with, with an exponential phase in the middle and the at the end it should level off .

So, real time PCR is amplifying DNA in cycles and after each cycle the fluorescence is measured and put in a graph, which should be sigmoidal.
Yes its quantitative.