Chemical probes are small molecules that are used in biological research to study the functions of specific proteins or pathways within cells. These probes are typically designed to selectively bind to their target molecules and can be used to modulate their activity, visualize their location within cells, or track their interactions with other proteins. Chemical probes are essential tools in drug discovery, as they help researchers to better understand the underlying mechanisms of diseases and identify potential drug targets. They are also used in various fields such as chemical biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology to investigate cellular processes and pathways.