FAQ: What is the difference between Induro Reverse Transcriptase (NEB #M0681) and ProtoScript II Reverse Transcriptase (NEB #M0368)?

There are mainly two types of Reverse Transcriptases (RT): retrovirus-encoded RTs and intron-encoded RTs. Both RT types share some conserved domains and synthesize complementary DNA from an RNA template. The most common and well-characterized RTs are derived from retroviruses such as Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (M-MuLV, MMLV), such as ProtoScript II Reverse Transcriptase. 

In contrast, Induro Reverse Transcriptase is a group II intron-encoded RT that exhibits higher thermostability, faster processivity, and better tolerance of reaction components when compared to retroviral RTs. Induro Reverse Transcriptase is useful for cDNA synthesis from long transcripts, RNAs with strong secondary structures, and RNA samples with inhibitors.