What is cdna?

Here's information about cDNA (complementary DNA) in Markdown format with linked keywords:

cDNA (Complementary DNA)

cDNA, or complementary DNA, is a DNA copy of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule produced by the enzyme Reverse Transcriptase. It is often used to clone eukaryotic genes in prokaryotes.

Key Features & Significance:

• Synthesis: cDNA is synthesized in vitro from an mRNA template using Reverse Transcriptase. This enzyme, originally derived from retroviruses, allows scientists to create DNA copies from RNA.
• Intron-Free: Unlike genomic DNA, cDNA lacks Introns. This is crucial because prokaryotes (like bacteria) cannot process introns. Therefore, cDNA is used for gene expression in prokaryotic systems.
• Gene Cloning: cDNA is frequently used in Gene%20Cloning to introduce eukaryotic genes into bacterial cells for protein production.
• cDNA Libraries: Collections of cDNA clones representing the mRNA expressed in a particular cell type or tissue are known as cDNA%20Libraries. They are valuable resources for studying gene expression patterns.
• Applications:
  • Gene Expression Studies: Measuring the levels of specific cDNA molecules can indicate the expression level of the corresponding gene.
  • Protein Production: Used to express eukaryotic proteins in prokaryotic host systems.
  • Genome Annotation: Can be used in conjunction with genome sequences to identify coding regions of the genome.
  • Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR): cDNA is an essential intermediate in RT-PCR, a sensitive technique for detecting and quantifying RNA transcripts.