Q. 12 What is the name of the corona Virus test?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the acronym that stands for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Correct Answer: A) RT-PCR

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking Exams, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Reverse Transcription: The first step is to convert the viral RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This is necessary because the PCR process works with DNA, not RNA.

Amplification: Once the RNA is converted to cDNA, the PCR process amplifies the cDNA. This involves multiple cycles of heating and cooling to denature the DNA, allowing primers to bind to specific sequences, and then extending the primers to create new strands of DNA. This process is repeated many times, exponentially increasing the amount of DNA present in the sample.

Detection: After amplification, the presence of the amplified DNA is detected using fluorescent probes or dyes. If the specific DNA sequence of the virus is present, the fluorescence will increase, indicating a positive result.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is the correct answer. RT-PCR stands for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, which is the primary method used to detect the presence of the coronavirus in a sample. It converts RNA into DNA and amplifies it to detectable levels.
Option B: This is incorrect. BT-PCR is not a recognized method for detecting the coronavirus. The correct method is RT-PCR, which involves reverse transcription of RNA to DNA.
Option C: This is incorrect. UN-PCR is not a recognized method for detecting the coronavirus. The correct method is RT-PCR, which involves reverse transcription of RNA to DNA.
Option D: This is incorrect. RT-PCR is a recognized and widely used method for detecting the coronavirus, so "None of the above" is not the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Remember "RT" for "Reverse Transcription" and "PCR" for "Polymerase Chain Reaction."

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