Abstract: Stabilized nucleic acids for use in gene and drug discovery are disclosed. Vectors and host cells useful in the production of stabilized nucleic acids are also disclosed. Cell-based assays which employ stabilized antisense nucleic acids to identify and develop antibiotics and to identify genes required for proliferation are described. The use of stabilized nucleic acids to identify homologous nucleic acids required for the proliferation of heterologous organisms is also described. Inhibition of the expression of genes required for proliferation in heterologous organisms through the use of stabilized antisense nucleic acids is disclosed.