RT-qPCR, or reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, is a laboratory technique used to measure the amount of specific RNA in a sample. It involves converting RNA into cDNA (complementary DNA) using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This cDNA is then amplified through a series of temperature cycles, allowing researchers to quantify the original RNA. This method is widely used in various fields, including molecular biology, genetics, and clinical diagnostics. RT-qPCR helps scientists understand gene expression levels, detect viral infections, and study genetic disorders by providing precise measurements of RNA levels in different samples.