What is the difference between PCR and real-time PCR?

Question

Accepted Answer

The differences between PCR and qPCR are outlined in Table 1.
 
Table 1. Differences between PCR and qPCR.

Feature
PCR
qPCR

Use
Detects the presence or absence of specific genomic fragments
Quantifies a particular genomic fragment in a sample

Technique
Qualitative
Quantitative

Product detection
Agarose gel electrophoresis
In each amplification cycle

Data collection
At the end of the reaction
During the exponential phase of the reaction

Resolution
Poor
Very high

Dye
Ethidium bromide
Fluorescent dyes (e.g.Cyber Green&trade;)

Efficiency
Time consuming
Less time consuming

Feature	PCR	qPCR
Use	Detects the presence or absence of specific genomic fragments	Quantifies a particular genomic fragment in a sample
Technique	Qualitative	Quantitative
Product detection	Agarose gel electrophoresis	In each amplification cycle
Data collection	At the end of the reaction	During the exponential phase of the reaction
Resolution	Poor	Very high
Dye	Ethidium bromide	Fluorescent dyes (e.g.Cyber Green™)
Efficiency	Time consuming	Less time consuming