Abstract: Rapid methods and means for hybridizing DNA, RNA and analogs thereof are provided. Hybridization occurs on a partition assembly through which nucleobase-containing sequences are driven by a force, such as centrifugal force, electrophoretic force, gravitational force vacuum force and/or pressure. The unbound sequences hybridize with complementary sequences bound to the partition assembly. The force applied to drive the sequences through the partition assembly increases the rate of hybridization by increasing the rate of collisions between complementary sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapidly, economically and efficiently determining the concentration of a target nucleobase-containing sequence in a fluid medium using laser induced fluorescence of antisense probes. When hybridization complexes and unhybridized probes are separated prior to detection, the fluorescent intensity of the test medium is proportional to the concentration of the target sequence. When hybridization complexes and unhybridized probes are not separated prior to detection, the fluorescent intensity of the test medium is inversely proportional to the concentration of the target sequence. The method can be used to determine the concentration of a contaminant in a sample as a part of a system of quality control.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapidly, economically and efficiently sequencing and assaying nucleotides in a liquid medium using a plurality of PNA probes. The method is particularly advantageous in not requiring the use of a solid support to bind the probe or the target sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapidly, economically and efficiently sequencing and assaying nucleotides in a fluid medium using laser induced fluorescence of antisense probes. The probes can have anionic backbones of reduced negative charge. Suitable probes can include methylphosphonate backbones. When the hybridization complexes and unhybridized probes are separated prior to detection, the fluorescent intensity of the fluid test medium is inversely proportional to the number of mismatches between the probe and target. When the hybridization complexes and unhybridized probes are not separated prior to detection, the fluorescent intensity of the fluid test medium is inversely proportional to the hybridization efficiency of the probes with respect to the target sequence and proportional to the number of mismatches between the probe and target.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapidly, economically and efficiently sequencing and assaying nucleotides in a liquid medium using laser induced fluorescence of antisense probes, including PNA probes. Fluorescent intensity of the resulting medium is inversely proportional to the hybridization efficiency of the probes with respect to the target sequence. The method is particularly advantageous in not requiring separation of unhybridized probes and hybridization complexes prior to detection. The method can be used to identify accessible regions in folded nucleotide sequences, to determine the number of mismatched pairs in a hybridization complex, and to map genomes.