Figure 3.

Biased interpretation of reported C_q, ΔC_q and ΔΔC_q. Reported C_q, ΔC_q and ΔΔC_q values require the reader to interpret these results as if all PCR assays are 100% efficient (Eff. = 2). The bias introduced by this interpretation is defined as the assumed result divided by the result that should have been calculated with the actual PCR efficiencies. (A) Biased gene expression by interpreting C_q as if the PCR efficiency is 100% (Equation (9)). (B) Biased gene expression ratio by interpreting ΔC_q as if the PCR efficiency of both assays is 100% (Equation (10)). (C) Biased fold effect between experimental conditions by interpreting ΔΔC_q assuming that the PCR efficiency of both assays is 100% (Equation (14)).