Using synthetic oligonucleotides as standards in probe-based qPCR

Real-time PCR (qPCR) is widely used in the life sciences. For quantifying DNA, a standard curve is required. Common methods for standard development are time consuming, costly, necessitate a specific skill set, and pose a contamination risk. Using a targeted synthetic oligonucleotide, such as a gBlocks^® Gene Fragment, overcomes these drawbacks and provides researchers an accurate and quick solution to standard development. Here, we demonstrate that using a gBlocks fragment as a standard provides comparable sensitivity, reliability, and assay performance to a purified amplicon standard.

Validation of standards suitable for genome size estimation of fungi

Genome size information is fundamental to genome sequencing and may also uncover genomic aspects of evolution. Flow Cytometry, the preferred method for genome size estimation, requires suitable standards. Here we validate Inonotus hispidus, Colletotrichum acutatum and Cenococcum geophilum (41, 68 and 203Mbp), as standards for fungal genome size estimation.