complementary dna

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Definition of "Complementary DNA" (cDNA)

Complementary DNA (cDNA) is a type of DNA that is made from messenger RNA (mRNA). It is called "complementary" because it is created to match the sequences of the mRNA. This process can happen in the lab using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase.

Simple Explanation

1. DNA and RNA:

   • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries the genetic information in living organisms.
   • RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a copy of the DNA that helps make proteins.

2. Messenger RNA (mRNA):

   • This is a specific type of RNA that carries the instructions from DNA to make proteins.

3. Making cDNA:

   • When scientists want to study genes, they can take the mRNA and use it to create cDNA. This cDNA is a mirror image or complement of the mRNA.

Usage Instructions

• In a laboratory setting: cDNA is used in various experiments, especially in genetics and molecular biology.
• When to use: You might use the term "complementary DNA" when discussing genetic engineering, cloning, or gene expression studies.

Example

• "The researchers created complementary DNA from the mRNA of the cancer cells to study how the genes were expressed."

Advanced Usage

• In advanced genetics, cDNA is often used in techniques like RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), where scientists amplify specific DNA sequences from cDNA for analysis.

Word Variants

• cDNA: This is the common abbreviation used in scientific literature.
• Complementary Base Pairing: This concept is related to how DNA strands pair up (A with T and C with G), which is important when discussing cDNA.

Different Meanings

• In a general context, "complementary" can mean something that completes or goes well with something else (e.g., complementary colors in art).

Synonyms

• Complementary (when used in a general context): matching, completing.
• In the scientific context, there are no direct synonyms, but phrases like "reverse transcribed DNA" may be used.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "complementary DNA," but the term "to complement" means to add something that improves or completes something else.

Summary

In summary, complementary DNA (cDNA) is an important concept in molecular biology that refers to DNA synthesized from mRNA.

Academic

Noun

1. single-stranded DNA that is complementary to messenger RNA or DNA that has been synthesized from messenger RNA by reverse transcriptase

Synonyms

• complementary DNA
• cDNA