Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to compositions and methods that use non-extendable oligonucleotides to enhance or improve synthesis or amplification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nuclease resistant nucleic acids in general and ribonuclease resistant RNAs in particular. Methods of making and using such nucleic acids are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the process of creating a recombinant nucleic acid standard which is resistant to ribonuclease digestion and is non-infectious. A single strand of recombinant nucleic acid is encapsidated by bacteriophage proteins. The recombinant nucleic acid is a hybrid sequence encoding bacteriophage proteins and a specific non-bacteriophage sequence. A non-bacteriophage RNA sequence can be used as an RNA standard to help quantify the number of RNA molecules in an unknown sample. The recombinant RNA in its packaged form is highly resistant to ribonucleases, insuring that the RNA standard is not compromised by inadvertent ribonuclease contamination. These "ARMORED RNA" standards are ideal as RNA standards for the quantification of RNA viruses such as HIV and HCV from human body fluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid.