Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a method for the preparation of nucleic acid samples, including the steps of adding at least one non-specific thermophilic enzyme to a sample containing nucleic acid for testing, and incubating said sample for a preferred period at 65-80° C. as required to effect one or more of lysis of cells, digestion of proteins, digestion of cell-wall enzymes, via activity of said thermophilic enzyme, wherein said thermophilic enzyme is substantially stable and active at 65-80° C. but which is readily autolysed and/or denatured when said sample is incubated at or above 90° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermostable proteinases from thermophilic Bacillus species and their uses in the preparation of nucleic acid samples. The enzymes of the invention are stable and active at 65-80° C., but are readily autolysed or denatured above 90° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermostable proteinases from thermophilic Bacillus species and their uses in the preparation of nucleic acid samples. The enzymes of the invention are stable and active at 65-80 ° C., but are readily autolysed or denatured above 90° C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses enzymes having xylanase activity. The xylanases are characterized in that they are active at a temperature of 80.degree. C. or higher. The enzymes are obtainable from anaerobic thermophilic bacteria. The enzymes are suited for use in paper and pulp production processes. The invention also describes cloning and expression of genes having xylanase activity obtained from the deposited strains.