cDNA
noun
ˈsē-ˌdē-(ˌ)en-ˈā 
ˌsē-
: 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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“CDNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cDNA. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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cDNA
noun
: 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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