Probes labeled with energy transfer couples dyes exemplified with DNA fragment analysis

A method of identification and detection of single or double stranded nucleic acids in a mixture of nucleic acids with different fluorescent labels covalently bonded thereto to detect at least two different nucleic acids of interest, wherein said labels are characterized by:

• (1) having a molecular weight not exceeding about 10,000 daltons and comprising a donor-acceptor fluorescent pair bonded to a nucleic acid backbone chain with energy transfer from said donor to said acceptor;
• and (2) each of the labels absorbs at substantially the same wavelength and emits at a different wavelength, with the proviso that one of the labels may have the same fluorescer as the donor and acceptor;
• said method comprising:
• preparing a mixture of said nucleic acids wherein a portion of said nucleic acids are sample nucleic acids which have labels which emit light at one or more first wavelengths and a portion of said nucleic acids are standard nucleic acids which have labels which emit light at one or more second wavelengths, said first and second wavelengths being different;
• separating said mixture by means of capillary electrophoresis in the presence of a resolution enhancing agent;
• and
• detecting each of said labeled components by irradiating with a common light source at the absorption wavelength of said donor and detecting the fluorescence of each of said labels.

A kit for use in simultaneously detecting a plurality of components comprising at least two labels,

• each of said labels characterized by:
• (1) having a donor-acceptor fluorescent pair wherein said donor and said acceptor are covalently bonded to a chain at specific locations on said chain such that there is efficient energy transfer to said acceptor;
• and
• (2) each of said labels absorbs light at substantially the same wavelength and emits light at a different wavelength.