Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the light emission of an oligonucleotide labeled with a light-emitting label that are useful in nucleic acid detection assays. A reaction that results in the cleavage of single-stranded oligonucleotide probes labeled with a light-emitting label is carried out in the presence of a DNA binding compound that interacts with the label to modify the light emission of the label. The methods utilize the change in light emission of the labeled probe that results from degradation of the probe. The methods are applicable in general to assays that utilize a reaction that results in cleavage of oligonucleotide probes, and, in particular, to homogeneous amplification/detection assays wherein hybridized probe is cleaved concomitant with palmer extension. A homogeneous amplification/detection assay is provided which allows the simultaneous detection of the accumulation of amplified target and the sequence-specific detection of the target sequence.