Complementary DNA (cDNA) is artificially synthesised from messenger RNA (mRNA). It is a single-stranded DNA that constitutes the coding part of the genome region that has been transcribed. This synthesis is termed “artificial” because cDNA is obtained via a reverse transcription reaction using reverse transcriptase, enabling the conversion from messenger RNA to complementary DNA. Transcription is naturally performed in cells, converting genomic DNA into messenger RNA. cDNA can subsequently be used as a template in various downstream RNA applications, such as gene expression studies, making cDNA synthesis the initial step in many molecular biology protocols.
Advantages of Studying cDNA
Studying complementary DNA rather than genomic DNA is advantageous because only genes actively transcribed into messenger RNA are analyzed. Moreover, since mRNA lacks introns and regulatory sequences, cDNA allows researchers to directly determine the amino acid sequence encoded by the gene, which is not possible with genomic DNA.
Our cDNA Portfolio
We offer a broad collection of cDNA from various species. Our catalog is designed to support diverse molecular biology research applications and gene expression studies.
Custom cDNA Services
If the specific cDNA you require is not available in our portfolio, we provide a custom service. By specifying your criteria, such as species or gene of interest, we can supply tailored cDNA to meet your research needs. Contact our technical support for more information.
