The following enzymes are used to make cDNA. What is the second enzyme used to make cDNA?
a. reverse transcriptase
b. ribozyme
c. RNA polymerase
d. DNA polymerase

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of cDNA synthesis, which involves converting RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA).
2. Identify the first enzyme used in the process: Reverse transcriptase, which synthesizes the first strand of cDNA from an RNA template.
3. Recognize that after the first strand of cDNA is synthesized, a second enzyme is needed to synthesize the complementary DNA strand.
4. Consider the role of DNA polymerase, which is responsible for synthesizing the second strand of DNA, completing the cDNA synthesis.
5. Conclude that the second enzyme used in the process of making cDNA is DNA polymerase.

Key Concepts

Reverse Transcriptase

Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that synthesizes complementary DNA (cDNA) from an RNA template. It is crucial in molecular biology for converting RNA sequences into DNA, allowing for the study and manipulation of gene expression. This enzyme is the first and primary enzyme used in the cDNA synthesis process.

cDNA Synthesis Process

The cDNA synthesis process involves converting RNA into cDNA, which is essential for various applications such as cloning and gene expression analysis. The process typically begins with reverse transcriptase, followed by the use of DNA polymerase to synthesize the second strand of DNA, making it a double-stranded cDNA molecule.

DNA Polymerase

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules from nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. In the context of cDNA synthesis, DNA polymerase is used after reverse transcriptase to create the second strand of cDNA, completing the conversion of RNA into a stable DNA form that can be amplified and analyzed.