To estimate the total concentration of a beneficial bacterial species in yogurt, ________ would provide the quickest results.
A) fluorescence in situ hybridization
B) qPCR
C) RT-PCR
D) a Southern blot

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique that allows for the detection and quantification of specific DNA sequences. It is a highly sensitive and rapid method that can provide results within a few hours. Using qPCR, it is possible to estimate the total concentration of a specific bacterial species in a sample, making it the best choice for estimating the concentration of a beneficial bacterial species in yogurt.

Option A, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), is a technique that uses fluorescent probes to bind to specific DNA sequences in cells. While it is a useful technique for detecting and identifying specific microbial populations, it is typically more time-consuming than qPCR.

Option C, RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), is a variation of PCR that is used to detect and quantify RNA expression levels. While it may be useful for studying gene expression in yogurt, it may not be the most efficient method for estimating the concentration of a specific bacterial species.

Option D, a Southern blot, is a technique used to detect specific DNA sequences in a sample. However, it is a time-consuming and relatively low-throughput method that may not be ideal for quantifying the concentration of a bacterial species in yogurt.

To Estimate the Total Concentration of a Beneficial Bacterial Species