Abstract: This invention relates to mutant Taq DNA polymerase having an enhanced template discrimination activity compared with an unmodified Taq DNA polymerase of SEQ ID NO.:1, wherein the amino acid sequence of the mutant Taq DNA polymerase consists of substitutions at residue positions 783, 784, or a combination of 783 and 784 of the unmodified Taq DNA polymerase of SEQ ID NO.:1.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutant DNA polymerases having an enhanced template discrimination activity compared with the corresponding unmodified DNA polymerase counterparts, wherein the amino acid sequence of the mutant DNA polymerase includes at least one substitution at residue positions structurally and functionally homologous or orthologous positions 783 or 784 of an unmodified Taq DNA polymerase.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for improving specificity during amplification of a target DNA sequence. The methods and compositions rely upon the use of an RNase H enzyme, a polymerase, and RNase H enzyme-sensitive, blocked-cleavable oligonucleotide primers in the amplification reactions, wherein the reaction mixtures include either an optimized final concentration of a divalent metal salt comprising 2.0 mM or less of free Mg++ cation and/or an optimized final concentration of a non-ionic detergent comprising at least about 0.001% polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutant DNA polymerases having an enhanced template discrimination activity compared with the corresponding unmodified DNA polymerase counterparts, wherein the amino acid sequence of the mutant DNA polymerase includes at least one substitution at residue positions structurally and functionally homologous or orthologous positions 783 or 784 of an unmodified Taq DNA polymerase.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for improving specificity during amplification of a target DNA sequence. The methods and compositions rely upon the use of an RNase H enzyme, a polymerase, and RNase H enzyme-sensitive, blocked-cleavable oligonucleotide primers in the amplification reactions, wherein the reaction mixtures include either an optimized final concentration of a divalent metal salt comprising 2.0 mM or less of free Mg++ cation and/or an optimized final concentration of a non-ionic detergent comprising at least about 0.001% polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutant DNA polymerases having an enhanced template discrimination activity compared with the corresponding unmodified DNA polymerase counterparts, wherein the amino acid sequence of the mutant DNA polymerase includes at least one substitution at residue positions structurally and functionally homologous or orthologous positions 783 or 784 of an unmodified Taq DNA polymerase.