Abstract: A process for the electrophoretic analysis of DNA fragments produced in DNA sequencing operations wherein chromophores or fluorophores are used to tag the DNA fragments produced by the sequencing chemistry and permit the detection and characterization of the fragments as they are resolved by electrophoresis through a gel. Preferably four different fragment sets are tagged with the fluorophores fluorescein, Texas Red, tetramethyl rhodamine, and 7-nitrobenzofurazan. A system for the electrophoretic analysis of DNA fragments produced in DNA sequencing operations comprising: a source of chromophore or fluorescent tagged DNA fragments; a zone for contacting an electrophoresis gel; means for introducing said tagged DNA fragments to said zone; and photometric means for monitoring said tagged DNA fragments as they move through said gel.

Abstract: A process for the electrophoretic analysis of DNA fragments produced in DNA sequencing operations wherein chromophores or fluorophores are used to tag the DNA fragments produced by the sequencing chemistry and permit the detection and characterization of the fragments as they are resolved by electrophoresis through a gel. Preferably four different fragment sets are tagged with the fluorophores fluorescein, Texas Red, tetramethyl rhodamine, and 7-nitro-benzofurazan. A system for the electrophoretic analysis of DNA fragments produced in DNA sequencing operations comprising: a source of chromophore or fluorescent tagged DNA fragments; a zone for contacting an electrophoresis gel; means for introducing said tagged DNA fragments to said zone; and photometric means for monitoring said tagged DNA fragments as they move through said gel.

Abstract: Long wavelength, narrow emission bandwidth fluorecein dyes are provided for detecting spacially overlapping target substances. The dyes comprise 4,7-dichlorofluoresceins, and particularly 2',4',5',7'-tetrachloro-4,7-dichloro-5- (and 6-) carboxyfluoresceins. Methods and kits for using the dyes in DNA analysis are provided.

Abstract: A spectrally resolvable set of rhodamine dyes are provided for use in the chain termination method of nucleic acid sequencing. A different rhodamine dye from the group consisting of tetramethylrhodamine, rhodamine X, rhodamine 6G, and rhodamine 110 is attached to the base of each of the dideoxynucleotides used in the sequencing method by way of an alkynylamino linker. Preferably, the labeled dideoxynucleotides are incorporated into the growing DNA chains by Taq DNA polymerase.

Abstract: Long wavelength, narrow emission bandwidth fluorecein dyes are provided for detecting spacially overlapping target substances. The dyes comprise 4,7-dichlorofluoresceins, and particularly 1',2',7',8'-dibenzo-4,7-dichlorofluoresceins. Methods of using the dyes in automated DNA sequencing are described.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting up to four classes of oligonucleotides which have been separated by gel electrophoresis. The method entails labeling members of each class of oligonucleotide with dyes selected from separate sets of dyes so that members of the same class are labeled with dyes from the same set. The four sets of dyes of the invention consist of derivatives of fluorescein, 2',7'-dimethoxy-4', 5'-dichlorofluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, and rhodamine X carboxylic or sulfonic acid, respectively. Dyes from these sets are spectrally resolvable under conditions of gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: A real-time, automated, nucleic acid sequencing apparatus that offers high speed, definitive sequencing on many samples at the same time. The apparatus permits more than one clone to be sequenced at a time, thus vastly decreasing the time required to sequence longer fragments and reducing sequencing costs accordingly. The apparatus detects electromagnetic radiation from a plurality of lanes in an electrophoresis system wherein the plurality of lanes are arranged in a planar array. The apparatus includes an optical system for detecting the radiation at a plurality of wavelengths and is made up of a collection element, a filter for selectively transmitting the plurality of wavelengths received from the collection element, and a detection system for measuring intensity of the radiation received from the filter means.