Cooperative primers, probes, and applications thereof

A method for synthesizing a nucleic acid, the method comprising:

• a. contacting a target nucleic acid with
• a cooperative nucleic acid molecule comprising:
• i. a first nucleic acid sequence, wherein the first nucleic acid sequence is complementary to a first region of a target nucleic acid, and wherein the first nucleic acid sequence is extendable on the 3′ end;
• ii. a second nucleic acid sequence, wherein the second nucleic acid sequence is complementary to a second region of the target nucleic acid, such that it hybridizes to the target nucleic acid downstream from the 3′ end of the first nucleic acid sequence;
• iii. a linker connecting said first and second nucleic acid sequences in a manner that allows both the said first nucleic acid sequence to hybridize to the target and extend on the 3′ end and the second nucleic acid sequences to hybridize to the target at the same time;
• b. and providing conditions appropriate for nucleic acid synthesis wherein the polymerase extends from the 3′ end of the first nucleic acid sequence through the second nucleic acid sequence, thereby synthesizing a nucleic acid.