Two samples are amplified by quantitative PCR. Sample 1 crosses the fluorescence threshold at cycle 18, while Sample 2 crosses at cycle 26.
A lower Cq (cycle quantification) for Sample 1 versus Sample 2 indicates:
- A
Sample 2 lacked DNA polymerase.
- Bcheck_circle
Sample 1 had more starting template than Sample 2.
- C
Sample 1 had less starting template than Sample 2.
- D
Both samples had identical template amounts.
Explanation
Cq is the cycle at which fluorescence crosses threshold. More starting template reaches threshold sooner (lower Cq); thus Sample 1 has higher initial template than Sample 2.