Which of the following is NOT a component that might be included in a hybridization cocktail?

The correct choice identifies that antibodies are not typically included in a hybridization cocktail. Hybridization cocktails are formulated to create optimal conditions for the binding of nucleic acid probes to their complementary DNA or RNA sequences.

Detergents may be added to help maintain the integrity of the nucleic acids and prevent nonspecific binding during the hybridization process. Carrier DNA can also be included to improve specificity and sensitivity by reducing background noise from non-specific interactions. Salts play a crucial role in stabilizing the hybridization conditions, affecting the melting temperature and binding affinity of the nucleic acids.

Antibodies, on the other hand, are not a standard component of a hybridization cocktail since their primary role is to bind to proteins or antigens, rather than nucleic acids. Thus, they do not contribute to the hybridization process, which is focused on nucleic acid interactions. This distinguishes them from the other components commonly used in these cocktails, confirming that they should not be included.