Final answer:
The two types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA, which hold genetic information. Common staining methods to visualize nucleic acids include Ethidium bromide staining, which is fluorescent and intercalates with DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Both serve as crucial carriers of genetic information, with DNA being the primary material that stores the genetic blueprint of all biological organisms, while RNA plays a vital role in the synthesis of proteins and regulation of gene expression.
As for methods of staining nucleic acids, Ethidium bromide staining is a common technique used to visualize DNA on an agarose gel, which involves the fluorescent compound ethidium bromide that intercalates with DNA and fluoresces when exposed to UV light. Another staining method mentioned in informational texts might include SYBR green, which acts similarly to ethidium bromide, although it is not listed as an option in the multiple-choice answers provided by the student.