Hybridization is the pairing or annealing of two strands of DNA. Hybridization is therefore based on the formation of double-stranded hybrids from single-stranded nucleic acids. These double-stranded hybrids form under precise conditions and are identified using probes.
A probe is a set of nucleic acids of known identity which seeks out the target of interest. Depending on the detection technique, probes and/or targets can either be labeled or unlabeled and the reaction can take place with one attached to a matrix or in solution, thus dividing the techniques into two broad categories:
Solid phase
Solution phase
