What do DNA/RNA probes help locate?

DNA/RNA probes are designed to locate specific sequences of nucleotides within a sample. They are labeled with a detectable marker, allowing researchers to identify the presence of complementary sequences of DNA or RNA in various biological samples. When a probe binds to its complementary target, it indicates that the target sequence is present.

In this context, the most accurate application of DNA/RNA probes is to find known sections of genes. This is crucial in many biological research and medical diagnosis applications, such as in identifying specific genetic traits, detecting the presence of viruses, or studying gene expression patterns.

The other options are less relevant to the function of these probes. Proteins are typically studied using antibodies rather than nucleotide probes, while mutated genes can be detected indirectly through associated changes in known sequences but are not the primary target of RNA/DNA probes. Additionally, cellular organelles don't have the nucleic acid sequences that probes are designed to locate. Hence, identifying known sections of genes is the fundamental role of DNA/RNA probes.