METHODS FOR QUANTIFYING NUCLEIC ACID MOLECULES

摘要

The invention involves an assay for quantifying the number of copies of a gene, or the level of its expression, in a biological sample. The method involves using an oligonucleotide molecule which will hybridize to both the target nucleic acid molecule and at least one additional nucleic acid molecule in the sample. The competition between the target and the additional molecule or molecules results in a pattern of expression which permits quantification of the target in the sample. The method can also be used to follow infections, or the development of changes in an infectious agent.