Abstract: A method and kit for purification of m-RNA from a cell are disclosed. Guanidine containing moieties, at high molarity, are use to quickly lyse the cell. They also act to inhibit RNase activity. Without the need for isolation of total RNA, the lysate can then be directly purified from the lysate using oligo dT (or U) by reducing the guanidine concentration via a dilution step.

Abstract: A chemical compound of the following formula is disclosed ##STR1## where R is one of H, trityl, 4-0-monomethoxytrityl, 4,4'-O-dimethoxytrityl, or acyl groups and R may be used as a protecting group or is an H; R.sup.1 is a phosphoramidite; R.sup.11 is one of H or lower alkyl groups; R.sup.111 is one of H or lower alkyl groups; R.sup.4 is one of H, lower alkyl, acyl, or (CH.sub.2).sub.p COO(CH.sub.2).sub.q CH.sub.3 where p is an integer from 0 to 4 and q is an integer from 0 to 4; R.sup.5 is one of H, lower alkyl, acyl, or (CH.sub.2).sub.p COO(CH.sub.2).sub.q CH.sub.3 where p is an integer from 0 to 4 and q is an integer from 0 to 4; n is an integer from 0 to 10; m is an integer from 0 to 10; and r is 1, 2, or 3.

Abstract: A bacterial preparation capable of packaging phage .lambda. DNA is disclosed. This preparation is in lyophilized form and is stable at ambient temperature. In a preferred form, the preparation contains an over-expressed terminase protein, is prepared from the bacterial strain E. coli Cla [.lambda. c/857 Sam7 .DELTA.(cos-Nu1-A)::Kn.sup.r ]/.lambda. pTER and is capable of a packaging efficiency of at least 1.times.10.sup.8 pfu/.mu.g wild type .lambda. DNA. The present invention is also a method of creating a phage .lambda. DNA packaging extract comprising the steps of preparing a bacterial extract capable of packaging phage .lambda. and lyophilizing said extract.

Abstract: A method kit for purification of m-RNA from a cell are disclosed. Guanidine containing moieties, at high molarity, are use to quickly lyse the cell. They also act to inhibit RNase activity. Without the need for isolation of total RNA, the lysate can then be directly purified from the lysate using oligo dT (or U) by reducing the guanidine concentration via a dilution step.

Abstract: Ether variant lipids bound to phosphoramidites are disclosed. These can be used to create oligonucleotides that are linked to stable lipid-like units. For example, dialkyl glycerols are linked to phosphoramidites.

Abstract: Compounds useful for attaching a fluorescein label to an oligonucleotide are disclosed. The compounds are fluorescein-linked phosphoramidites where the hydroxyl groups on the fluorescein moiety are protected by isobutyryl groups.

Abstract: A room temperature stable restriction enzyme in a glassified carbohydrate stabilizer is disclosed. A restriction enzyme reaction buffer containing Mg.sup.+2 is dispersed in the stabilizer. One cleaves DNA merely by adding water and DNA to the composition. The composition can reduce glycerol-caused star activity by avoiding the need for glycerol. The composition also reduces star activity caused by high concentrations of enzymes. Another method is provided of comparing cleaved DNA samples in connection with forensic and paternity testing applications.

Abstract: A method for inserting a selected restriction site into a double stranded genetic sequence at a selected tab site, and a linker for use therewith are disclosed. The method involves treating the genetic sequence with an opening agent (such as a restriction enzyme) so as to open both strands of the tab site. One then exposes the opened genetic sequence to two hexameric single stranded oligonucleotide linkers in the presence of a ligating enzyme. The two linkers have the same nitrogenous base sequence, a sequence which is partially palindromic complementary to itself at least one end of the nitrogenous sequence, but is not completely palindromic complementary to itself. Through use of this method, the two linkers are inserted in the opening with partial complementary overlap, and at least one of the linkers is affixed to each strand. Subsequently, the site is reclosed at the point of the insertion so as to contain a six base insertion.