Software Updates User guide
Gene Expression Analysis
128
Normalization Factor
The denominator of the normalized expression equation is referred to as the normalization 
factor. The normalization factor is the geometric mean of the relative quantities of all the 
reference targets (genes) for a given sample, as described in this formula:
Where:
• RQ = Relative quantity
• n = Number of reference targets
• GOI = Gene of interest (one target)
Normalized Expression
Normalized expression (ΔΔC
q
) is the relative quantity of your target (gene) normalized to the 
quantities of the reference targets (genes or sequences) in your biological system. To select 
reference targets, open the Experiment Settings window and click the reference column for 
each target that serves as a reference gene.
The calculation for normalized expression is described in the following formula, which uses the 
calculated Relative Quantity (RQ) calculation:
Where:
• RQ = Relative Quantity of a sample
• Ref = Reference target in a run that includes one or more reference targets in each 
sample
• GOI = Gene of interest (one target)
Provided that reference targets do not change their expression level in your biological system, 
the calculation of normalized expression will account for loading differences or variations in 
cell number that are represented in each of your samples. 
Normalized Expression When a Control Is Selected
When you select a control sample in the Experiment Settings window, the software sets the 
expression level of the control sample to 1. In this situation, the software normalizes the 
relative quantities of all target (gene) expression to the control quantity (a value of 1). This 
normalized expression is equivalent to the unscaled normalized expression analysis when a 
control is chosen.
NOTE: This is also known as Relative Normalized Expression (RNE) and Fold 
Change. 
Normalization Factor
sample (GOI)
(RQ
sample (Ref 1)
RQ
sample (Ref 2)
… RQ
sample (Ref n)
)×××
1
n
--
=
Normalized Expression
sample (GOI)
RQ
sample (GOI)
RQ
sample (Ref 1)
RQ
sample (Ref 2)
… RQ
sample (Ref n)
×××()
1
n
--
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=










