What characterizes dual-color probes used in FISH?

Dual-color probes used in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are specifically designed to allow the detection of multiple targets simultaneously within the same specimen. This characteristic is essential for applications such as the identification of chromosomal abnormalities, where the simultaneous visualization of different genomic regions can reveal insights into structural rearrangements, duplications, or deletions.

When dual-color probes are employed, each probe emits a distinct fluorescent signal, enabling researchers to differentiate between the two targets. This method enhances the capability to study the spatial organization of genes and their interactions in a single analysis, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic landscape. The ability to detect multiple targets in one experiment is particularly useful in complex analyses, such as those involving cancer genomics, where multiple genetic alterations may be present.

While it's true that some other options may describe certain features of probes in FISH, they do not accurately characterize the unique functionality of dual-color probes. For instance, while some probes could be designed to cover part of a chromosome or identify centromeres, these characteristics do not necessarily pertain to the dual-color aspect, which is fundamentally about detecting multiple targets concurrently.