cDNA (complementary DNA)

Complementary DNA (cDNA) is a form of DNA created from messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules through a process called reverse transcription. Since mRNA carries instructions from genes to make proteins, cDNA represents these instructions in a stable DNA form. Scientists use cDNA to study gene activity, clone genes, or produce proteins in the lab. Unlike genomic DNA, cDNA only includes the portions of DNA that are used to make proteins, making it a useful tool for understanding gene expression and function in cells.