Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a library of template polynucleotides which reduces and/or prevents the formation of adaptor-dimers. The invention also relates to the use of a library of templates prepared using the method of the invention for solid-phase nucleic acid amplification. In particular, the invention relates to a method of preparing a library of template polynucleotides which have common sequences at their 5? ends and at their 3? ends which is substantially free of adaptor-dimers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a prism for use in scanning applications such as total internal reflection microscopy in which the prism is translated relative to an incident light beam. A geometry is disclosed which cancels walk of the beam footprint at the base of the prism. Walk of the beam footprint due to irregularities in a largely planar sample surface located at the prism base are cancelled by coupling movement of the incident light beam to movement of the sample in the field of view of an objective lens, for example as part of an autofocus arrangement.

Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule can be annealed to an appropriate immobilized primer. The primer can then be extended and the molecule and the primer can be separated from one another. The extended primer can then be annealed to another immobilized primer and the other primer can be extended. Both extended primers can then be separated from one another and can be used to provided further extended primers. The process can be repeated to provide amplified, immobilized nucleic acid molecules. These can be used for many different purposes, including sequencing, screening, diagnosis, in situ nucleic acid synthesis, monitoring gene expression, nucleic acid fingerprinting, etc.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming spatially addressable arrays of polynucleotides of known squence, by using blocking groups that prevent the incorporation of multiple nucleotides during each incorporation step.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for determining the identity of one or more mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a genome, comprising: a contacting a sample genome, under conditions which permit template dependant oligonucleotide ligation, with a plurality of different oligonucleotide molecules which comprise (i) a first set of oligonucleotides each comprising a sequence of nucleotides that is complementary to a region on said genome that includes a known SNP site and which oligonucleotides are complementary to said region other than at a base at or near the 5? end of said oligonucleotides that is to be tested for complementarity to a base at the SNP site, each of said oligonucleotides comprising a unique label to identify both the base to be tested and the position of the SNP to be scored, (ii) a second set of oligonucleotides each comprising a sequence of nucleotides complementary to a region on said target genome for hybridisation with said target genome adjacent the 5? end of an oligonucleot

Abstract: Nucleosides and nucleotides are disclosed that are linked to detectable labels via a cleavable linker group.