reverse transcription
noun
: the process of synthesizing DNA using RNA as a template and reverse transcriptase as a catalyst
Examples of reverse transcription in a Sentence
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Examples of tests include reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, viral culture and immunofluorescence assays.
—
Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 7 Apr. 2024
Most tests available today to see if people have the virus are conducted using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2020
The Pac-12 has announced a surveillance testing partnership with Fulgent Genetics (NASDAQ: FLGT) which will provide reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing capabilities to supplement existing PCR and antigen testing capabilities at each of the 12 member schools.
—Michelle Gardner, The Arizona Republic, 30 Sep. 2020
Then comes the critical step: a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, or RT-PCR, which exponentially copies target RNA sequences to detectable levels.
—Christian Elliott, Discover Magazine, 4 Feb. 2022
To sequence the genetic material, the Pandemic Response Lab first converts the RNA into DNA, a process known as reverse transcription.
—New York Times, 17 Aug. 2022
Following reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and genomic sequencing of the samples, each family member was found to be infected by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
—Ashley Abramson, Health.com, 29 Dec. 2021
The data presented by Moderna Thursday limited the analysis only to cases confirmed positive by sensitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 28 Apr. 2022
But experts say the PCR test isn't the best one for every situation. PCR -- or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction -- tests can detect small amounts of the coronavirus' genetic material in a specimen collected from a human.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 19 Jan. 2022
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Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 7 Apr. 2024
Most tests available today to see if people have the virus are conducted using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2020
The Pac-12 has announced a surveillance testing partnership with Fulgent Genetics (NASDAQ: FLGT) which will provide reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing capabilities to supplement existing PCR and antigen testing capabilities at each of the 12 member schools.
—Michelle Gardner, The Arizona Republic, 30 Sep. 2020
Then comes the critical step: a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, or RT-PCR, which exponentially copies target RNA sequences to detectable levels.
—Christian Elliott, Discover Magazine, 4 Feb. 2022
To sequence the genetic material, the Pandemic Response Lab first converts the RNA into DNA, a process known as reverse transcription.
—New York Times, 17 Aug. 2022
Following reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and genomic sequencing of the samples, each family member was found to be infected by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
—Ashley Abramson, Health.com, 29 Dec. 2021
The data presented by Moderna Thursday limited the analysis only to cases confirmed positive by sensitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 28 Apr. 2022
But experts say the PCR test isn't the best one for every situation. PCR -- or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction -- tests can detect small amounts of the coronavirus' genetic material in a specimen collected from a human.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 19 Jan. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Reverse transcription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverse%20transcription. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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