Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The invention is characterized by the use of low dead volume columns, which is achieved in part by the use of low pore volume frits (e.g., membrane screens) to contain a bed of extraction media in the column. Low dead volume facilitates the elution of the captured analyte into a very small volume of desorption solution, allowing for the preparation of low volume samples containing relatively high concentrations of analyte.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods of extracting an analyte from a solution comprising the steps of: passing a solution containing an analyte through an extraction channel having a solid phase extraction surface, whereby analyte adsorbs to the extraction surface of said extraction channel; purging bulk liquid from said extraction channel; and eluting the analyte by passing a desorption solvent through the channel. The invention further provides reagents, columns and instrumentation related to this and other methods.

Abstract: Methods of unencrypting trait encrypted gene sequences to provide unencrypted RNAs or polypeptides. The invention also relates to methods of encrypting traits including splitting genes between two parental organisms or between a host organism and a vector. The gene sequences are unencrypted when the two parental organisms are mated or when the vector infects the host organism by trans-splicing either the split RNAs or split polypeptides upon expression of the split gene sequences. The invention also includes methods of providing multiple levels of trait encryption and reliable methods of producing hybrid organisms. Additional methods include those related to unencrypting engineered genetic elements to provide polypeptide functions and those directed at recombining non-overlapping gene sequences. The invention also includes integrated systems and various compositions related to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Methods of shuffling nucleic acids to acquire or enhance mycotoxin detoxification activity, libraries of shuffled mycotoxin detoxification nucleic acids, transgenic cells, plants and DNA shuffling mixtures are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of obtaining pest resistance genes that are improved over naturally occurring genes for use in conferring upon plants resistance to pests. The methods involve the use of DNA shuffling of pest resistance genes to produce libraries of recombinant pest resistance genes, which are then screened to identify those that exhibit the improved property or properties of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying a plant containing a lesion in a gene sequence flanked in a wild type chromosome by known polynucleotide sequences. The methods comprise providing a collection of nucleic acids from source plants, providing a data base that associates each nucleic acid with its source plant, amplifying the collection of nucleic acids, thereby detecting the lesion, and using the database to identify the source plant carrying the lesion.