Synthesis of the second strand of cDNA using pol .varies.-primase is provided. Pol .varies.-primase is used to initiate primers on a cDNA strand de novo, followed by extension of the primer with pol .varies.-primase, a second DNA polymerase or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, pol .varies.-primase extends the primer, followed by addition of a second DNA polymerase, preferably Klenow fragment.