oligonucléotidit

Oligonucleotides are short chains of nucleotides, typically ranging from 2 to 50 bases in length. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA, ribose in RNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or thymine in DNA; adenine, guanine, cytosine, or uracil in RNA). The sequence of these bases determines the genetic information encoded by the oligonucleotide.

Oligonucleotides can be synthesized chemically in the laboratory with precise control over their sequence and length. This synthetic capability is crucial for their widespread applications in molecular biology and biotechnology. They serve as essential tools in various research techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA amplification, gene sequencing, and gene silencing using RNA interference (RNAi).

In diagnostics, oligonucleotides are used as probes to detect specific DNA or RNA sequences, aiding in the identification of pathogens or genetic mutations. Therapeutically, custom-synthesized oligonucleotides are being developed as drugs to target specific genes or RNA molecules involved in diseases. Their ability to bind specifically to complementary nucleic acid sequences makes them powerful agents for both research and therapeutic interventions.