cDNA

Question 1

cDNA

Answer 1

-stands for complementary DNA or copy DNA
-is a synthetic DNA molecule
-created from a single-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid) template, usually messenger RNA (mRNA).

Question 2

Function of cDNA

Answer 2

-Unlike genomic DNA, which contains both coding (instructions for making proteins) and non-coding regions (regulatory elements), cDNA represents only the coding regions of genes.

-This makes cDNA a valuable tool for various molecular biology techniques that focus on gene expression and protein function.

Question 3

cDNA and its Creation process (Reverse Transcription)

Answer 3

-To create cDNA, scientists use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This enzyme works by reading the RNA template in the 3’ (three prime) to 5’ (five prime) direction and synthesizing a complementary DNA strand.

-A short piece of single-stranded DNA called a primer, usually complementary to the poly-A tail (a sequence of adenine nucleotides) found at the end of mRNA molecules, initiates the reverse transcription process.

-The resulting single-stranded cDNA molecule is then converted into a double-stranded DNA molecule by an enzyme called DNA polymerase.

Question 4

Applications of cDNA:

(cDNA is used in various research applications, including:)

Answer 4

-Gene cloning: cDNA can be inserted into plasmids (small circular DNA molecules) to create recombinant DNA molecules. These recombinant DNA molecules can then be introduced into bacteria or other host cells for amplification and further study.

-Gene expression analysis: By analysing the amount of cDNA produced from a specific gene, scientists can determine the level of gene expression in a cell or tissue. Techniques like quantitative PCR (qPCR) can be used for this purpose.

-Identifying new genes: cDNA libraries can be created to represent the entire transcriptome (all the mRNA molecules) of an organism. Studying these libraries can help identify novel genes and understand gene function.

-Functional genomics: By studying the protein products of cDNA, scientists can gain insights into gene function and their role in various biological processes.