Abstract: A method of characterizing a test sample of genomic DNA which method comprises contacting the test sample with type specific primer to prime selectively, within a telomere repeat array, internal repeat units of that type, and extending the type specific primers in the presence of appropriate nucleoside triphosphates and an agent for polymerization thereof to produce a set of amplification products extending from the internal repeat units of that type to at least the end of the telomere repeat array.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of characterizing a sample of genomic DNA and to nucleotide sequences employed in the method as well as kits comprising these. In particular the invention involves the use of primers which selectively prime specific type(s) of internal repeat unit in a tandemly repeated region. The method of the invention is particularly useful in forensic or paternity studies and provides individual sample codes suitable for computerized storage on, and retrieval from, a database.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the identification from DNA of a fragment comprising a simple tandem repeat locus comprising the steps of:i) contacting a DNA library with at least one hybridisation probe so as to identify a population of DNA fragments enriched for simple tandem repeats;ii) isolating and cloning said population; andiii) screening of the resulting DNA library so as to identify an individual fragment comprising a simple tandem repeat locus.Also provided are simple tandem repeats isolated by the method of the present invention, characterised in that they may be amplified at least in part by PCR using a specified pair of primers, together with amplification primers and probes specific to the simple tandem repeats so isolated.The present invention also provides methods of genetic characterisation using the aforementioned simple tandem repeats, primers and probes.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a test sample of genomic DNA which method comprises amplifying a tandemly repeated region, comprising more than one type of repeat unit, as far as internal repeat units of a specific type so as to generate a set of amplification products which identify the relative positions of the internal repeat units within the tandemly repeated region, and separating the set of amplification products to provide a sample code. The sample codes are suitable for computerized storage on, and retrieval from, a database. The invention also provides a novel method for the detection of diagnostic base sequences in one or more nucleic acids contained in a sample.