: a DNA that is complementary to a given RNA which serves as a template for synthesis of the DNA in the presence of reverse transcriptase

Examples of cDNA in a Sentence

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In 1985, George Kuo invented that cloning strategy by reverse transcribing mRNA from NANBH positive serum into cDNA. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 The ruling that cDNA is potentially patentable allows companies to still reap financial rewards from isolating new genes. Lisa Raffensperger, Discover Magazine, 14 June 2013

Word History

Etymology

complementary

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cDNA was in 1966

Dictionary Entries Near cDNA

Cite this Entry

“CDNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cDNA. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

: a DNA that is complementary to a given RNA which serves as a template for synthesis of the DNA in the presence of reverse transcriptase

called also complementary DNA

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