Abstract: This invention relates to the use of functional reporter molecules in the detection and measurement of RNA sequences in a sample, as a determination, for example, of pathogenic disease existence or potential. The invention is predicated on the utilization of nucleotide sequences, one having a probe sequence linked to a sequence capable of initiating replication by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The other is capable of hybridizing to a strand separated from the extension product of the first nucleotide sequence after hybridization to a specific target sequence. The extension product of the second hybridized nucleotide sequence serves as a template source for autocatalytic replication by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The replication products are detected as a means for detection of nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of functional reporter molecules in the detection and measurement of nucleic acid sequences in a sample, as a determination, for example, of pathogenic disease existence or potential. The invention is predicated on the utilization of a transcription step between the production of an appropriate reporter molecule and replication based amplification in order to increase the number of detectable species as an indirect reference to target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A probe for the detection of a nucleic acid target sequence containing a molecular switch comprising three essential elements: a probe sequence of 20-60 nucleotides surrounded by switch sequences of 10-40 nucleotides which are complementary to each other, wherein the state of the switch is useful for selectively generating a detectable signal if the probe is hybridized to a target; also, assays and kits utilizing such probes.