The process begins with the extraction of RNA from a sample, which is then reverse-transcribed into complementary DNA (cDNA) using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This cDNA serves as a template for the PCR amplification. The PCR process involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling to denature the cDNA, anneal primers, and extend new DNA strands. This results in the exponential amplification of the target sequence, making it detectable and quantifiable.
