Preparation of cDNA Libraries and Isolation and Analysis of Specific Clones
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The development of molecular cloning techniques over the past two decades has generated a powerful arsenal of tools for the
study of gene structure and function. It is now possible to synthesize complementary DNA (cDNA) copies of mRNAs from virtually
any source and to propagate these cDNAs in vitro in the form of a cDNA library. Initially, cDNA libraries were designed specifically
to generate probes for the identification of genomic DNA clones However, the discovery that eukaryotic genes are often composed
of coding regions interrupted by introns made it clear that the study of gene expression must include direct analysis of mRNAs
and their corresponding cDNAs. Comparison of individual cDNAs to their parent genes and to related cDNAs has since revealed
novel mechanisms for the processing of genetic information and has helped to define the primary genetic defects responsible
for many disease states.