cDNA

Complementary DNA (cDNA) is a type of DNA created in the laboratory from messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. Since mRNA carries instructions from genes to make proteins, converting it into cDNA allows researchers to study gene activity. The process involves using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to make a DNA copy of the mRNA. Unlike genomic DNA, cDNA only includes the parts of genes that are used to produce proteins, making it a valuable tool for understanding which genes are active in specific cells or conditions.