Question

multiple select question
select all that apply
choose all true statements about pcr - based diagnostic tests for pathogens.
pcr - based diagnostic tests are highly specific, but are typically very slow to produce a result.
the main thing required to develop a pcr - based diagnostic test is a set of two primers that target a pathogen - specific gene
pcr - based pathogen detection does not always require dna isolation.
pcr - based diagnostic tests can only be used on bacteria or dna viruses.

Explanation:

• First statement: PCR - based tests are actually relatively fast (not slow) to produce results. So this statement is false.
• Second statement: Primers targeting pathogen - specific genes are a key component for developing PCR - based diagnostic tests. This statement is true.
• Third statement: For some PCR - based pathogen detections (e.g., in some direct PCR applications where the sample has a high enough concentration of the target nucleic acid and no significant inhibitors), DNA isolation may not be strictly required. This statement is true.
• Fourth statement: PCR - based diagnostic tests can be used for RNA viruses as well (after reverse - transcription to convert RNA to DNA). So this statement is false.

Answer:

• Second statement: The main thing required to develop a PCR - based diagnostic test is a set of two primers that target a pathogen - specific gene.
• Third statement: PCR - based pathogen detection does not always require DNA isolation.