Aptamer

An aptamer is like a special key that can recognize and lock onto a specific molecule. Just like how you have a key to your house that opens your door, an aptamer is a key that can open and close a specific molecule. Scientists make aptamers in a laboratory by selecting and designing special strands of molecules to fit the shape of the molecule they want to lock onto. These aptamers can be used in many different ways, such as in medicine to target specific cells in the body or in detecting pollutants in the environment. It's like having a magic key that can find exactly what you're looking for!