Abstract: Substantially pure single-stranded oligonucleotides having a preselected sequence of not more than about 200 nucleotides, at least one of which is at a preselected position in the sequence and includes a base with a covalently attached linker arm containing or capable of binding at least one reporter group or solid support. A process for the chemical synthesis of the substantially pure single-stranded oligonucleotide and modified nucleosides useful in such synthesis are provided.

Abstract: Fluorescent stokes shift probes for polynucleotide hybridization assays are designed to provide predetermined nucleotide base unit spacings between the donor and acceptor fluorophores. When the probes are hybridized to the target polynucleotide the fluorophores paired for non-radiative energy transfer are separated by 2 to 7 nucleotide base units. The fluorophores are attached to the DNA or RNA probes by linker arms having lengths of 4 to 30 Angstroms. Fluorescein is a preferred donor for use with a Texas Red acceptor.

Abstract: Substantially pure single-stranded oligonucleotides having a preselected sequence of not more than about 200 nucleotides, at least one of which is at a preselected position in the sequence and includes a base with a covalently attached linker arm containing or capable of binding at least one reporter group or solid support. A process for the chemical synthesis of the substantially pure single-stranded oligonucleotide and modified nucleosides useful in such synthesis are provided.

Abstract: The method of this invention is applicable to rapid separation, isolation, and purification of DNA or RNA from biological samples. The DNA/RNA may be in double-stranded or single-stranded form. The method is particularly advantageous for resolving genetic DNA or RNA found in bacteria, virus, and mammalian cells, and for use with samples of human bodily fluids and tissues, including stool, sputum, urine, and blood samples. DNA or RNA can be separated effectively from interfering components, particularly proteins, biological pigments and mucopolysaccharides. The method of the present invention can utilize commercially available strong or weak anion exchanger materials with selected solutions of known ionic strength for adsorption and elution.