complementary dna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “complementary dna” mean?
A single-stranded DNA molecule synthesized in the laboratory from a messenger RNA (mRNA) template using the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single-stranded DNA molecule synthesized in the laboratory from a messenger RNA (mRNA) template using the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
A DNA copy (cDNA) of an RNA molecule, primarily mRNA, which lacks introns and is therefore used in genetic engineering, gene cloning, and the study of gene expression. It represents only the expressed parts of a genome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The abbreviation 'cDNA' is universal. Pronunciation of 'DNA' follows regional norms (/ˌdiː.enˈeɪ/ UK, /ˌdiː.enˈeɪ/ US).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Exclusively used in scientific/technical contexts with equal frequency in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “complementary dna” in a Sentence
[researchers/technicians] + [synthesized/generated] + complementary DNA + [from mRNA/using reverse transcriptase]complementary DNA + [was inserted/was used] + [into a vector/for expression]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “complementary dna” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will complementary-DNA the expressed transcripts.
- We need to complementary-DNA the entire transcriptome.
American English
- The lab plans to complementary-DNA the mRNA samples.
- They successfully complementary-DNA'd the target sequence.
adverb
British English
- The gene was expressed complementary-DNA-ly in the bacterial host.
American English
- The fragment was cloned complementary-DNA-ly into the plasmid.
adjective
British English
- The complementary-DNA library is ready for screening.
- We obtained a complementary-DNA sequence of high fidelity.
American English
- The complementary-DNA synthesis reaction failed.
- She analysed the complementary-DNA clones.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech/pharma corporate reports discussing R&D methodologies.
Academic
Primary context. Ubiquitous in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The core domain. Used in laboratory protocols, scientific discussions, and technical manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complementary dna”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complementary dna”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complementary dna”
- Misspelling as 'complimentary DNA' (which would imply a free gift).
- Using it interchangeably with 'genomic DNA'.
- Incorrect pronunciation of 'complementary' (stress is on the third syllable: /ˌkɒmplɪˈment(ə)ri/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Genomic DNA contains both exons (coding sequences) and introns (non-coding sequences). Complementary DNA is synthesized from processed mRNA and therefore contains only exons, making it a representation of the expressed genome without introns.
Because it lacks introns, complementary DNA can be directly expressed in prokaryotic organisms like bacteria, which lack the cellular machinery to splice out introns from eukaryotic genomic DNA. This makes it essential for producing human proteins (e.g., insulin) in bacterial systems.
Yes, 'cDNA' stands for both 'complementary DNA' and 'copy DNA'. The terms are synonymous in scientific literature.
Yes, quantitatively. Techniques like RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) use complementary DNA synthesized from a sample's mRNA as a template to measure the abundance of specific transcripts, providing a direct measure of gene expression levels.
A single-stranded DNA molecule synthesized in the laboratory from a messenger RNA (mRNA) template using the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Complementary dna is usually technical/scientific in register.
Complementary dna: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmplɪˌment(ə)ri ˌdiː en ˈeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmpləˌment(ə)ri ˌdiː en ˈeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms exist for this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of mRNA as a 'message'. Complementary DNA is the perfect 'copy' or 'complement' of that message, written back into DNA language (cDNA).
Conceptual Metaphor
A PHOTOCOPY OF AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL (where mRNA is the working manual and cDNA is a perfect copy of just the final instructions, without the draft pages/introns).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary enzyme used in the synthesis of complementary DNA?