Importance

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Abstract

A plurality of oligonucleotides are caused to bind specifically to target nucleic acid which is predictive of a disease state or a biological condition within cells containing the target nucleic acid. The respective oligonucleotides, which may be functionilized or may be present in the form of oligonucleotide analogs, carry with them a plurality of synthons. Such synthons, which may be identiphores, toxiphores, or other precursors to biologically effective molecules, interact when specific binding of the respective oligonucleotides occurs at sites adjacent to each other on the target nucleic acid. The resulting interaction gives rise to the synthesis, generation or release of highly active biological molecules in situ in the cell in which the specific binding takes place. This permits the use of extraordinarily toxic molecules for use in killing cells containing the target nucleic acids. Imaging and other uses are also provided by the present invention.

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First Claim