Self -complementary molecular probe

摘要

Disclosed herein is a molecular probe comprising a 3' portion; a 5' portion; and a center portion, that is complementary to a target sequence between the 3' and 5' portions. The 3' portion is complementary to the 5' portion such that when the 3' portion is hybridized to the 5' portion the probe has a stem loop structure. Additionally, parts of either or both of the 3' or 5' portions of the probe are complementary to the target sequence. Methods for using such probes are also provided.