Abstract: A method for detection of DNA sequences. In the method, chromatin (comprising protein and DNA) is contacted with a cross-linking agent for the protein of the chromatin to provide a substantially rigid chromatin particle. The DNA of the chromatin particle is then subjected to treatment to cause a separation of the individual DNA strands into single stranded DNA. Preselected sequences of the single stranded DNA are then contacted with a complementary polynucleotide probe specific for the DNA sequence of interest. The polynucleotide probe is marked with a fluorescent label thereby labelling a target sequence of DNA in the chromatin particles. The fluorescently tagged DNA sequences are then detected by subjecting the polynucleotide probe to a suitable light source and detecting the light emitted by the fluorescent label so as to identify the preselected DNA sequence.

Abstract: Identification of algae in water samples is carried out with a flow cytometer having at least one high intensity light source to provide a light path such as a laser, means for passing the algae through the light path and a system of detectors arranged to measure chlorophyll fluorescence and at least two other parameters such as forward light scattering, perpendicular light scattering, backward light scattering, pulse length and/or shape of the scattered signals, fluorescence and pulse length and/or shape of the fluorscence signals. In order to separate the light output from the flow cytometer into components which can yield useful measurements, a system of partially reflecting mirrors and dichroic mirrors is used. Preferably, the high intensity light source is two independent lasers having parallel light paths one of which is separated in a UV range and the other in an all lines mode.