Fluorescent Nucleic Acid Hybridization Probes

With the introduction of simple and relatively inexpensive methods for labeling nucleic acids with non-radioactive labels, doors have been opened that enable nucleic acid hybridization probes to be used for research and development, as well as for clinical diagnostic applications.

Below is an overview of the different types of fluorescent nucleic acid hybridization probes that have been introduced. Although the mechanism of fluorescence generation is different among the different types of fluorescent nucleic acid hybridization probes, they all are labeled with at least one molecule, a fluorophore, that has the ability to absorb energy from light, transfer this energy internally, and emit this energy as light of a characteristic wavelength.

Molecular Beacon Probes

 

Wavelength-Shifting Molecular Beacon Probes

 

Bi-Molecular Beacon Probes

 

Tripartite Molecular Beacon Probes

 

Molecular Torches

 

Tentacle Probes

 

Amplifluor Primers

 

Scorpion Primers

 

Dumbbell Molecular Beacon Probes

 

Cyclicons

 

Taqman Probes

 

Minor Groove Binder (MGB) Probes

 

HyBeacons

 

Adjacent Probes

 

Strand Displacement Probes

 

Duplex Scorpion Primers

 

Qual Probes

 

Light-Up Probes