homoduplex

Homoduplex refers to a type of DNA or RNA molecule that consists of two identical strands. This structure is distinct from heteroduplexes, which contain two non-identical strands. Homoduplexes are typically formed during the replication of DNA or RNA, where each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. In the context of DNA, homoduplexes can be further categorized into two types: double-stranded homoduplexes, which are composed of two complementary strands, and single-stranded homoduplexes, which consist of two identical single strands. Homoduplexes play a crucial role in various biological processes, including DNA repair, recombination, and gene expression. They are also utilized in molecular biology techniques such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and DNA sequencing. The study of homoduplexes provides valuable insights into the structure, function, and dynamics of nucleic acids.