Abstract: A method for generating a discrete set of DNA segments characteristic of a sample of a single-stranded RNA is provided.

Abstract: A rapid method for generating a set of discrete DNA amplification products characteristic of a genome as a “fingerprint” comprises the steps of: priming target nucleic acid of a genome or from a cellular RNA preparation with an single-stranded primer to form primed nucleic acid such that a substantial degree of internal-mismatching occurs between the primer and the target nucleic acid; amplifying the primed nucleic acid by performing at least one cycle of polymerase chain reaction amplification; and amplifying the product of step (2) by performing at least about 10 cycles of polymerase chain reaction amplification. The method is known as the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) method and is suitable for the identification of bacterial species and strains, mammals and plants.

Abstract: A rapid method for generating a set of discrete DNA amplification products characteristic of a genome as a "fingerprint" comprises the steps of: priming target nucleic acid of a genome or from a cellular RNA preparation with an single-stranded primer to form primed nucleic acid such that a substantial degree of internal-mismatching occurs between the primer end the target nucleic acid; amplifying the primed nucleic acid by performing at least one cycle of polymerase chain reaction amplification; and amplifying the product of step (2) by performing at least about 10 cycles of polymerase chain reaction amplification. The method is known as the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) method and is suitable for the identification of bacterial species and strains, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, mammals and plants.

Abstract: A rapid method for generating a set of discrete DNA amplification products characteristic of a genome as a "fingerprint" for typing the genome comprises the steps of: forming a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) admixture by combining, in a PCR buffer, genomic DNA and at least one structural RNA consensus primer, and subjecting the PCR admixture to a plurality of PCR thermocycles to produce a plurality of DNA segments, thereby forming a set of discrete DNA amplification products. The method is known as the consensus sequence primed polymerase chain reaction (CP-PCR) method and is suitable for the identification of bacterial species and strains, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, mammals and plants. The method of the present invention can identify species rapidly, using only a small amount of biological material, and does not require knowledge of the nucleotide sequence or other molecular biology of the nucleic acids of the organisms to be identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein Y is biotin or iminobiotin, X is CH.sub.2, P is psoralen or a psoralen derivative, r is an integer equal to or greater than 2 and s is an integer equal to or greater than 1.The invention also provides a method for preparing a biotinylated psoralen or a biotinylated psoralen derivative.Further provided are methods for detecting, purifying, and isolating nucleic acids, and methods for delivering an iminobiotinylated psoralen to a cell.