Abstract: The invention relates to a new multiwell filtration plate for high throughput applications in nucleic acid technology, preferably in a 96-well or 384-well format, consisting of two individual parts, which are firmly and tightly connected together. The upper part of the plate is a sample holder 1 for holding a sample to be filtered. The lower part of the plate is an outlet part with a filter insert for receiving a sample from the sample holder part and filtering the, sample through the filter insert.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to detect clinically relevant mutations of the DNA sequence of the KI-ras oncogene in stool DNA, its use and a testkit based thereon for early diagnosis of tumors, especially tumors of the pancreas and the colon. According to the invention, the method of detection is distinguished by extraction of genomic DNA from stool samples in a series of cleaning operations designed to eliminate inhibitor substances, and by base-complementary hybridization reaction by adding six different oligonucleotides with a defined complementarity to the clinically relevant mutated sequence fragments of the KI-ras gene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for a simultaneous multiple isolation and purification of nucleic acids from biological material based on binding nucleic acid to mineral carrier particles. The device includes a square-shaped plastic case, a shaking apparatus with sample vessels, and a shielding for the motor and shaking apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for the rapid, simultaneous isolation of genomic desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and cellular total ribonucleic acid (RNA), free of genomic DNA from various starting materials. The fields of application are molecular biology, biochemistry, gene technology (in particular gene therapy), medicine, biomedical diagnosis, veterinary medicine, food analysis and all related fields. The method proposed is characterized in that materials containing DNA and RNA are lysed in a special buffer, the lysate incubated with a mineral carrier, the carrier with the DNA bound to it separated off and washed with buffer solution, and the DNA subsequently separated from the carrier with a buffer of lower salt concentration. The lysate left after separating off the DNA bound to the carrier is mixed with phenol, chloroform and sodium acetate in defined proportions, the phases allowed to separate, and the total RNA precipitated from the aqueous phase by adding isopropanol.

Abstract: A universal process is disclosed for extracting and purifying nucleic acids from extremely small amounts of highly contaminated various biological and other starting materials. The invention has applications in forensic medicine, medical diagnosis, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetic technology and all related fields. The process is characterized in that nucleic acid-containing materials are lysed, the lysate is incubated with a non-porous, non-structured, highly disperse, homogeneous and chemically pure SiO.sub.2 substrate, the substrate is isolated with the bound nucleic acids and washed with a buffer solution, then the nucleic acids are dissolved from the substrate by a buffer with a lower salt concentration. Lysis of the material and nucleic acid immobilization are preferably carried out in a reaction vessel. The substrate particles have a size of 7-40 nm, preferably 40 nm, and a specific surface from 50-300 g/m.sup.2, preferably 50 g/m.sup.2.