Abstract: A closure means adapted to fit into the neck or mouth of a container, said closure means comprising a plug of resilient material said plug incorporating a slit which extends through the body of the plug characterized that, in a resting configuration and prior to insertion of the closure means into a container, the breadth of the slit is non-uniform along the length of the slit.

Abstract: A sample tube assembly incorporating a fluid-tight label chamber, said label chamber being fused to or forming part of the body of the sample tube. The invention also includes a sample tube assembly wherein the tube assembly comprises; a tube portion, the bottom of which is adapted to accept an end cap; and end cap adapted to be joined to the bottom of the tube portion; and a label chamber provided in use by a space between the bottom or outer surface of the bottom of the tube portion and the inner surface of the end cap; and wherein the end cap is fused, welded or otherwise joined to the bottom of the tube portion to provide a fluid tight-seal.

Abstract: A method for reversibly inactivating thermostable DNA polymerase or ligase, which method comprises reacting a mixture of the thermostable DNA polymerase or ligase with a dicarboxylic acid anhydride, wherein the reaction is carried out using a dried DNA polymerase or ligase in an anhydrous aprotic organic solvent, the dicarboxylic acid anhydride being also substantially anhydrous, whereby the reaction results in essentially complete inactivation of enzyme activity.

Abstract: A storage unit assembly comprising:

Abstract: A sample tube assembly incorporating a fluid-tight label chamber, said label chamber being fused to or forming part of the body of the sample tube.

Abstract: A plate sealing means suitable for use with multi-well plates of the type used in DNA PCR chemistry, said sealing means having a resilient mat having a flat or even surface substantially free from dimples; and an engagement structure adapted to co-operate with at least two opposing edges of the plate and adapted to retain the sealing mat in a substantially fixed position with respect to the plate.