The first comprehensive treatise on Rapid Cycle Real-Time PCR. With amplification times of 15-30 minutes of on-line detection and analysis, nucleic acid quantification of mutation analysis finally becomes a routine, powerful and rapid method. Focusing primarily on the LightCycler, an instrument that combines Rapid Cycle PCR with fluorescent monitoring, this technology provides convenient analysis by melting temperatures. PCR products can be identified by product Tm, and single base mismatches can easily be genotyped by probe Tm. Methods chapters detail the theory behind quantification of mutation analysis; the design of synthesis of fluorescent hybridization probes of the preparation of template DNA. Application chapters apply nucleid acid quantification to infectious organisms of intracellular messengers and mutation detection to somatic of acquired mutations.