Abstract: The present invention provides a method for real-time detection of an independent target nucleic acid or target nucleic acid linked to a secondary structure through signal amplification (direct detection) or through detection of the target nucleic acid sequence which has been the subject of an amplification process. A probe including a detectable marker is hybridized to either an independent target nucleic acid or a linked target nucleic acid to provide verification of the presence of the target nucleic acid and/or secondary structure to which the target nucleic acid is linked within either isothermal or non-isothermal environments of homogeneous or heterogeneous systems.