How does cDNA probe work?

A cDNA probe is a complementary DNA strand synthesized from messenger RNA (mRNA) using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. It binds specifically to its complementary sequence in target RNA or DNA during hybridization, allowing for the detection and quantification of specific genes. This process is often used in techniques like Northern blotting or in situ hybridization to study gene expression. By labeling the cDNA probe with a detectable marker, researchers can visualize the location and abundance of the target nucleic acids.