Nucleic Acid Hybridization

Nucleic acid hybridization is a process where two complementary strands of DNA or RNA naturally pair up to form a double helix, similar to a zipper closing. This occurs because the bases (building blocks) of these molecules—adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine—have specific pairings; for example, adenine pairs with thymine. When a single-stranded molecule encounters its matching sequence, they bind together through these base pairs, allowing scientists to detect or isolate specific nucleic acid sequences. This technique is fundamental in genetic research, diagnostics, and forensic science, enabling precise identification and analysis of genetic material.