Abstract: The invention provides a method of identification of the base in a target position in a DNA sequence wherein sample DNA is subjected to amplification; the amplified DNA is immobilised and then subjected to strand separation, the non-immobilised strand being removed and an extension primer, which hybridises to the immobilised DNA immediately adjacent to the target position, is provided; each of four aliquots of the immobilised single stranded DNA is then subjected to a polymerase reaction in the presence of a dideoxynucleotide, each aliquot using a different dideoxynucleotide whereby only the dideoxynucleotide whereby only the dideoxynucleotide complementary to the base in the target position becomes incorpored; the four aliquots are then subjected to extension in the presence of all four deoxynucleotides, whereby in each aliquot the DNA which has not reacted with the dideoxynucleotide is extended to form double stranded DNA while the dideoxy-blocked DNA remains as non-extended DNA; followed by identification

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sequencing target DNA in which said DNA is provided in double stranded form immobilized on a solid support via one terminus of one of the two strands thereof and is then subjected to strand separation whereby the unattached strand is removed prior to sequencing the immobilized strand. The target DNA, e.g genomic DNA, may initially be amplified by the PCR method using at least one oligonucleotide primer which is either attached to a solid support or carries means for attachment to a solid support.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for automatic purification of extra-chromosomal DNA from a cell suspension in a container. The apparatus comprises a device for introducing the cell suspension from a container into a chamber; a device for agitating the contents of the chamber; a device for introducing a lysing solution to the chamber to lyse the cells therein; a device for introducing a precipitating solution into the chamber to precipitate chromosomal DNA and, optionally, proteins and cellular debris therein; a device for feeding the liquid contents of the chamber through a filter to a collecting system; a device for purifying extra-chromosomal DNA from the contents of the collecting device; a device for introducing a dissolving solution into the chamber to dissolve the precipitate remaining therein, and a device for feeding the dissolved precipitate to waste.