The idea behind PCR-based diagnostics is that a very small number of microbial genomes in a patient sample can be multiplied by PCR and more easily detected by the clinical team managing the patient’s care. Also, genetic-based diagnostics are very useful for viral infections because we don’t have biochemical tests, etc. to distinguish one virus from another (remember, viruses are metabolically inactive). However, a lot of work goes into the development of these tests. For instance, PCR requires primers that are complementary to the viral genome that is being copied. If primers are complementary to the target genome, what must scientists know to design primers that bind to the viral genome to be copied? (I mean this to be a general question; don’t look up the details of designing primers)

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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The idea behind PCR-based diagnostics is that a very small number of microbial genomes in a patient sample can be multiplied by PCR and more easily detected by the clinical team managing the patient’s care. Also, genetic-based diagnostics are very useful for viral infections because we don’t have biochemical tests, etc. to distinguish one virus from another (remember, viruses are metabolically inactive). However, a lot of work goes into the development of these tests. For instance, PCR requires primers that are complementary to the viral genome that is being copied.

  1. If primers are complementary to the target genome, what must scientists know to design primers that bind to the viral genome to be copied? (I mean this to be a general question; don’t look up the details of designing primers)
Expert Solution
Step 1 Introduction:

A primer is a short nucleic acid sequence that provides a starting point for DNA synthesis. In living organisms, primers are short strands of RNA. A primer must be synthesized by an enzyme called primase, which is a type of RNA polymerase before DNA replication can occur.

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