Abstract: Disclosed is a polymerizable complex containing a covalently attached nucleic acid molecule which, under appropriate conditions, is capable of copolymerization with a second polymerizable ethylene-containing monomer unit to form a polymerized layer. The polymerized layer containing attached nucleic acid is useful in a variety of contexts including, for example, hybridization assays. The polymerized layer containing the covalently attached nucleic acid molecule can be formed into a variety of shapes, or attached to a formed material through appropriate chemistry.