DNA Probes

**Semantic type:** Indicator, Reagent, or Diagnostic Aid|Nucleic Acid, Nucleoside, or Nucleotide

**Definition:** A piece of DNA that has been labeled, usually radioactively or with a fluorescent dye, which is used in hybridization studies. Applications include Northern and Southern blots, in situ hybridization techniques, and diagnostic tests. DNA probes can be highly specific or degenerate.