RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends)

RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) is a laboratory technique used to identify the full-length sequence of an RNA molecule. Scientists convert RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) and then use targeted PCR methods to 'extend' from a known segment toward the unknown ends of the molecule. This allows them to determine the complete sequence at either the start (5' end) or the finish (3' end) of the RNA. RACE is essential for studying gene transcripts, especially when the full sequence isn't available, helping researchers understand gene structure and function more completely.