In which of the following ways are sticky ends and nucleic acid probes alike?

• A. Both are components of the ribosome involved in protein synthesis.
• B. Both rely on complementary base pairing to bind to specific DNA sequences.
• C. Both are enzymes that cut DNA at specific sites.
• D. Both are used to synthesize new strands of DNA during replication.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of sticky ends: Sticky ends are single-stranded overhangs of DNA that result from the action of restriction enzymes. These overhangs can bind to complementary sequences of DNA through base pairing.
2. Understand the concept of nucleic acid probes: Nucleic acid probes are short, single-stranded sequences of DNA or RNA that are designed to bind to specific complementary sequences in a target DNA or RNA molecule through base pairing.
3. Recognize the similarity between sticky ends and nucleic acid probes: Both rely on the principle of complementary base pairing, which is the ability of nucleotides (A, T, C, G in DNA or A, U, C, G in RNA) to pair specifically with their complementary bases.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Sticky ends and nucleic acid probes are not components of the ribosome, are not enzymes, and are not directly involved in DNA synthesis during replication. These options can be ruled out.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is: Both sticky ends and nucleic acid probes rely on complementary base pairing to bind to specific DNA sequences.