Basis of differentiation

CDS (Coding Sequence)

cDNA (Complementary DNA)

Definition 

Is the coding region of RNA or DNA that codes for a particular protein 

Is a DNA sequence obtained from messenger RNA (mRNA) through the process of reverse transcription

Composition 

Exons and 2 codons

Complete mRNA and 2 untranslated regions (UTRs)

Synthesis process

Natural, every individual’s genomic DNA contains CDS

Artificial, reverse transcription is used to synthesize cDNA from mRNA 

Untranslated regions

Not included

Included

Use of reverse transcriptase

Not used 

Used