Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern a probe comprising one or more pairs of monomers capable of targeting a nucleic acid target. The pair of monomers may be arranged in a manner that promotes thermoinstability of the probe complex, thus producing a probe capable of locating and/or detecting a target. The probe also may comprise one or more natural or non-natural nucleotides capable of Watson-Crick base pairing with an isosequential nucleic acid target. Particular disclosed embodiments concern a method of using the disclosed probe to target nucleic acids. In particular disclosed embodiments, the probe may be incubated with a target nucleic acid and then be detected.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that involve C5-functionalized nucleic acids, which can be used for detecting a target in a nucleic acid. Particular embodiments disclose methods for making these compounds, wherein the compounds can be formed by coupling of an intermediate with a linker. Certain embodiments disclose the use of these compounds for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms, and for increasing the thermal affinity of nucleic acid complements as compared to unmodified nucleic acid complements. In addition, the disclosed compounds can decrease enzymatic degradation of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern a probe comprising one or more pairs of monomers capable of targeting a nucleic acid target. The pair of monomers may be arranged in a manner that promotes thermoinstability of the probe complex, thus producing a probe capable of locating and/or detecting a target. The probe also may comprise one or more natural or non-natural nucleotides capable of Watson-Crick base pairing with an isosequential nucleic acid target. Particular disclosed embodiments concern a method of using the disclosed probe to target nucleic acids. In particular disclosed embodiments, the probe may be incubated with a target nucleic acid and then be detected.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that involve C5-functionalized nucleic acids, which can be used for detecting a target in a nucleic acid. Particular embodiments disclose methods for making these compounds, wherein the compounds can be formed by coupling of an intermediate with a linker. Certain embodiments disclose the use of these compounds for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms, and for increasing the thermal affinity of nucleic acid complements as compared to unmodified nucleic acid complements. In addition, the disclosed compounds can decrease enzymatic degradation of nucleic acids.