Question

Synthetic nucleic acids are useful as ______

A) DNA probes and antisense RNAs.
B) primers for PCR.
C) antisense RNAs.
D) DNA probes.
E) DNA probes, primers, and antisense RNAs.

Answer 1

Synthetic nucleic acids serve as antisense RNAs, DNA probes, and primers, with applications in gene therapy, diagnostics, PCR, and gene regulation. Antisense RNAs inhibit gene expression, while DNA probes detect specific sequences, and primers initiate DNA amplification.

Step-by-step explanation:

Synthetic nucleic acids have various applications in modern biotechnology and medicine. They can be used as antisense RNAs, DNA probes, and primers. Antisense RNAs are designed to bind to specific mRNA molecules, thereby preventing their translation and the production of corresponding proteins. This technology is employed for the treatment of diseases like cancer, AIDS, and genetic disorders where regulation of gene expression is crucial. DNA probes, which may be radiolabeled or linked to fluorescent compounds, are useful in detecting the presence of complementary DNA or RNA sequences in diagnostics. Primers are short strands of nucleic acid used in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify specific DNA segments, essential for molecular cloning, genetic testing, and forensic analyses.

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), a subclass of synthetic nucleic acids with a modified backbone, provide high thermal stability and resistance to nucleases. PNAs have proven useful in a variety of therapeutic approaches due to their ability to form stable hybrids with DNA and RNA and even invade double-stranded DNA, greatly enhancing gene regulation. Developing effective delivery methods and chemical modifications enhance their application potential further.