Abstract: The invention provides mutants of DNA polymerases having an enhanced resistance to inhibitors of DNA polymerase activity. The mutant polymerases are well suited for PCR amplification of targets in samples that contain inhibitors of wild-type polymerases.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutants of DNA polymerases having an increased rate of incorporation of nucleotides into nucleic acids undergoing polymerization and having an enhanced resistance to inhibitors of DNA polymerase activity. The mutant polymerases are well suited for fast PCR applications, for PCR amplification of targets in samples that contain inhibitors of wild-type polymerases, and for fast PCR amplification of samples containing DNA polymerase inhibitors. In exemplary embodiments, the mutants are mutants of Taq DNA polymerase.

Abstract: The invention provides mutants of DNA polymerases having an enhanced resistance to inhibitors of DNA polymerase activity. The mutant polymerases are well suited for PCR amplification of targets in samples that contain inhibitors of wild-type polymerases.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutants of DNA polymerases having an increased rate of incorporation of nucleotides into nucleic acids undergoing polymerization and having an enhanced resistance to inhibitors of DNA polymerase activity. The mutant polymerases are well suited for fast PCR applications, for PCR amplification of targets in samples that contain inhibitors of wild-type polymerases, and for fast PCR amplification of samples containing DNA polymerase inhibitors. In exemplary embodiments, the mutants are mutants of Taq DNA polymerase.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method of determining the presence of one or more polymorphic sites in a target nucleic acid sequence. The method comprises determining changes in the melting profile of an amplified product where the amplified product was amplified with a primer pair where one of the primers is labeled, e.g., with a fluorescent label. The method employs a probe that is labeled with a label that interacts with the label on the primer, e.g., a quencher that quenches the fluorescent label on the primer, such that the signal is quenched when the probe and primer are in close proximity. A change in the melting profile of an amplified product in comparison to a control reflects the presence of the polymorphic site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the detection of Bacillus species such as Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus globigii as well as Clostridium perfringens. It relies on nucleic acid sequence differences in spore protein genes carried in the genomic sequence of these organisms.

Abstract: PCR (polymerase chain reaction) primers for the detection of certain Bacillus species, such as Bacillus anthracis. The primers specifically amplify only DNA found in the target species and can distinguish closely related species. Species-specific PCR primers for Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus globigii and Clostridium perfringens are disclosed. The primers are directed to unique sequences within sasp (small acid soluble protein) genes.