Analysis of Streptococcus Mutans by Real-Time PCR Method (CAT#: STEM-MB-3136-LGZ)

Introduction

Streptococcus mutans is a commensal bacterium in the oral cavity. S. mutans is known to be a major cariogenic bacterium, especially for smooth surface caries, because S. mutans produces glucosyltransferases, which mediate the synthesis of exopolysaccharides called glucans, which are essential for dental plaque formation and produce acids for the demineralization of teeth.
A real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR, or qPCR) is a laboratory technique of molecular biology based on the polymerase chain reaction(PCR). It monitors the amplification of a targeted DNA molecule during the PCR(i.e.,in real time), not at its end, as in conventional PCR.
Two common methods for the detection of PCR products in real-time PCR are(1)non-specific fluorescent dyes that intercalate with any double-stranded DNA and (2)sequence-specific DNA probes consisting of oligonucleotides that are labelled with a fluorescent reporter, which permits detection only after hybridization of the probe with its complementary sequence.