Abstract: Improvements to nucleic acid fingerprinting are disclosed. The method generates profiles of increased fidelity characteristic of the nucleic acids analyzed. Novel primers and other means are taught. Useful products are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel oligonucleotides for amplification and profiling of nucleic acid templates are disclosed. Enhancements of nucleic acid fingerprinting methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A silver staining method is provided for staining an organic molecule capable of binding silver. An improved image is developed and visualized. A kit useful in practicing the method is described. A permanent record of the image of the profile of the stained molecules is obtained.

Abstract: A method for visualizing nucleic acids in a polyacrylamide gel. The method comprises fixing the nucleic acids with 10% acetic acid for about 20 minutes, washing the gel multiple times with water for about 2 minutes, impregnating the gel with silver nitrate at a concentration of about 1.0 g/l and about 1.5 ml/l of 37% formaldehyde for about 30 minutes, developing the gel with sodium carbonate at a concentration of about 30 g/l, 1.5 ml/l of 37% formaldehyde and sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate at a concentration of about 2.0 mg/l for between about 2 minutes and about 5 minutes, and then stopping the development of the gel by treatment with 10% acetic acid for about 5 minutes.

Abstract: A method for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in a template comprising at least one nucleic acid or mixture of nucleic acids wherein each nucleic acid comprises at least one strand. The method comprises the steps of treating the template with at least one oligonucleotide primer having a nucleic acid sequence that is substantially complementary to at least one nucleic acid sequence on the template under conditions such that the primer will bind to a segment that is substantially complementary to the primer, producing primed strands of nucleic acid. The primed strands produce extension strands, wherein the extension strands comprise the primer in combination with a sequence of nucleic acids that is substantially complementary to the template in a 5' to 3' direction from the primer. The extension strands are further treated with the primer producing amplification strands which are treated with primer.