Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The present invention describes the formation of RecA protein catalyzed double-stranded probe:duplex linear target DNA complexes that are stable to deproteinization. The uses of this stable probe:target complex in diagnostic/DNA detection systems in in vitro and in situ DNA hybridization reactions is discussed. The probe:target complexes are also useful for diagnostic application in RecA protein facilitated DNA amplification reactions.

Abstract: A method of identifying the presence of a known target sequence in double-stranded DNA contained in a fixed cellular or subcellular biological structure. By adding a stable, reporter-labeled RecA/single-stranded probe complex to the structure, the target sequence can be effectively labeled by in situ hybridization, allowing the target sequence to be visualized histologically and microscopically or detected by in situ cytometry or cell sorting flow techniques.

Abstract: The present invention describes the formation of RecA protein catalyzed double-stranded probe:duplex linear target DNA complexes that are stable to deproteinization. The uses of this stable probe:target complex in diagnostic/DNA detection systems in in vitro and in situ DNA hybridization reactions is discussed. The probe:target complexes are also useful for diagnostic application in RecA protein facilitated DNA amplification reactions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of achieving RecA protein facilitated amplification of a double-stranded DNA target sequence having first and second complementary strands, each strand with 5' and 3' ends. The method involves complexing a primer complementary to a 5' end region of the first strand and a primer complementary to a 5' end region of the second strand with RecA protein in the presence of ATP-.gamma.-S. The complexed primers are then reacted in a mixture also containing the target sequence, all four dNTPs, RecA protein and DNA polymerase. The reaction is conducted below the temperature required for thermal dissociation of the two target strands and continued until a desired degree of amplification of the target sequence is achieved.The present invention further includes the cloning and identification of the coding sequences for the RecA protein of Thermus aquaticus.