Sequence-specific amplification efficiency in multi-template PCR
A deep-learning study shows how small efficiency differences can create large product-ratio bias in multi-template PCR.
Nature Communications
Multi-template PCR is common in amplicon and sequencing-library workflows. Because PCR is exponential, small sequence-to-sequence efficiency differences can grow into coverage and quantification bias.
Design and QC should consider primers, adapters, polymerase, cycle count and identification of poorly amplifying templates.