The GATE Grind

GATE 2022 ES – Question 17

Environmental Microbiology · Microbiology and Health · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which statement about reverse-transcriptase PCR for pathogen detection is NOT correct?

  1. Identifies presence or absence of specific RNA
  2. Used only for coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2
  3. Cannot differentiate viable and inactivated viruses
  4. Converts RNA to DNA followed by DNA amplification

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) Used only for coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2

Explanation

RT-PCR reverse-transcribes target RNA, then amplifies the resulting DNA. Many RNA targets besides coronavirus can be tested, making **B** false. Standard nucleic-acid detection alone does not establish viral infectivity; specific assay design determines which RNA sequence is detected.

More Microbiology and Health questions

All Microbiology and Health questions →