Hybridization
Hybridization (medicine)
Hybridization (pronounced: hi-bri-di-zay-shun) is a process in molecular biology where two complementary strands of DNA or RNA combine to form a double-stranded molecule. This process is fundamental to many genetic testing and research techniques.
Etymology
The term "hybridization" comes from the Latin hybrida, meaning the offspring of two different species. In the context of molecular biology, it refers to the combination of two different strands of DNA or RNA.
Process
Hybridization involves the binding of two complementary strands of DNA or RNA. This can occur between two DNA strands, two RNA strands, or one of each. The process is facilitated by the matching of complementary base pairs, adenine (A) with thymine (T) or uracil (U), and cytosine (C) with guanine (G).
Applications
Hybridization is used in a variety of medical and research applications. These include genetic testing, where it can be used to identify specific genetic sequences, and gene therapy, where it can be used to replace or modify defective genes. It is also used in molecular cloning, a technique for replicating specific DNA sequences.
Related Terms
- Base Pair: Two chemical structures, adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine, that form the rungs in the ladder-like structure of the DNA molecule.
- Gene Therapy: A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.
- Genetic Testing: The sequencing of human DNA in order to discover genetic differences, anomalies, or mutations that might be responsible for a particular disease.
- Molecular Cloning: A set of experimental methods in molecular biology that are used to assemble recombinant DNA molecules and to direct their replication within host organisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hybridization
- Wikipedia's article - Hybridization
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