Patent ID: 7250259
Filing Date: 2007-07-31
Classification: C12Q

Abstract:
1. A molecular torch for use in detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, said molecular torch comprising: a target binding domain comprising nucleotide base recognition groups; a target closing domain comprising nucleotide base recognition groups, wherein said target binding domain is biased toward said target sequence, such that said target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with said target sequence than with said target closing domain under strand displacement conditions; a label associated with said target binding domain or said target closing domain, wherein said label produces a first signal when said target binding domain:target closing domain hybrid is formed and a second signal when said target binding domain:target closing domain hybrid is not formed, said first and second signals being distinguishable; and an unlabeled joining region comprising one or more non-nucleotide linkers, wherein said joining region joins said target binding domain and said target closing domain, and wherein said joining region facilitates the formation of a target binding domain:target closing domain hybrid in the absence of said target sequence.