a method is disclosed for detecting boron labeled biopolymers , biooligomers , and other species that bind to the biopolymers , and biooligomers with specificity . the biopolymers include rna , dna and proteins . the biooligomers include rna oligomers , dna oligomers , and peptides . the biopolymers and biooligomers are labeled with a borane , or a boron - hydride moiety . the borane and boron - hydride moiety are employed to reduce a metal ion , e . g . silver , to metal or metal oxide , metal boride or other metal species , or alternatively to reduce a dye , or another organic or inorganic compound . the product of the reduction reaction can be visualized with or without signal augmentation , by one or more means , including the naked eye or a microscope , or can be detected through the use of analytical equipment that can detect conductivity , voltage , density , ultraviolet or visible light , fluorescence , luminescence , phosphorescence , paramagnetism , magnetic susceptibility , or any other detectable physical property . the invention provides methods for selectively detecting biopolymers and biooligomers that contain such a boron - label , thereby permitting their selective identification within an environment where unlabeled like and / or unlike species are present .