Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating nucleic acids from other cellular debris, especially substances that carry a net positive charge at low pH, by electrophoresis under acid conditions. In the purification method of the present invention, nucleic acids are separated from proteins found in the same biological sample by applying the sample to an electrophesis gel and subjecting the sample to electrophoresis under acid conditions to separate the nucleic acids from the proteins. The optimum pH may differ for different sample types but can be readily determined by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the separation is performed at a pH of about 2 to about 4. More preferably, electrophoresis is carried out at a pH of 2.

Abstract: Nucleic acids can be amplified and detected using a very rapid polymerase chain reaction procedure. This procedure includes a series of steps which have critically defined temperature and time parameters. Each polymerase chain reaction cycle requires generally less than about two minutes, and in most cases less than 90 seconds. At least 5 units/100 &mgr;l of solution of thermostable DNA polymerase are used, and other preferred levels of primer concentrations facilitate the quick cycling in the amplification. In preferred embodiments, only two temperatures are used in the amplification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating nucleic acids from other cellular debris, especially substances that carry a net positive charge at low pH, by electrophoresis under acid conditions. In the purification method of the present invention, nucleic acids are separated from proteins found in the same biological sample by applying the sample to an electrophesis gel and subjecting the sample to electrophoresis under acid conditions to separate the nucleic acids from the proteins. The optimum pH may differ for different sample types but can be readily determined by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the separation is performed at a pH of about 2 to about 4. More preferably, electrophoresis is carried out at a pH of 2.