<title>Quantitative PCR by real-time detection</title>

Using homogeneous 5' nuclease assay (an energy transfer probe) as the reporting system, the progress of the polymerase chain reaction is monitored by laser induced fluorescence. Progress from cycle to cycle and within the extension plateau of a given cycle is measured in the exponential, linear and plateau phases. Quantitation of initial concentration is best done using exponential phase data. Information on the dynamics of PCR and enzyme kinetics are an important byproduct of the investigation.