Abstract: Methods, compositions and systems for processing biological samples include separation reagents featuring a microparticle and a receptor for a ligand on a target species in the biological sample. The biological sample is reacted with the separation reagent to capture the target species. A covalent bond is formed between the target species and the separation reagent to form an adduct. The adduct is separated from the biological sample, and a component of the target species is separated from the target species.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a DNA marker ladder useful in Southern blot hybridizations. The ladder is made up of pooled DNA restriction endonuclease digests, where each restriction digest contains at least one fragment complementary to a probe and at least one fragment not complementary to the probe. The regions of complementarity between the probe and the complementary fragments are double-stranded segments of the fragments. The ladder is characterized by an approximately even spacing of bands, resulting from choosing fragments having an logarithmic size distribution. Kits incorporating this ladder and a probe or means for making a probe or a probe and a means for labeling a probe are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for assessing the reliability of DNA sizing measurements performed on DNA samples. DNA sizing control standards are disclosed wherein each standard contains a unique set of DNA restriction fragments composed of coding fragments and measuring fragments of known sizes. Methods for constructing the fragments which can be used in making the DNA sizing control standards are disclosed. Kits comprising the DNA sizing control standards of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nucleic acid capture reagent which comprises one or more molecules that are capable of intercalation into nucleic acids and are attached to a solid support via a molecular linker. This capture reagent is useful for the separation and isolation of nucleic acids from complex unpurified biological solutions such as serum, sputum, blood, and urine. The resulting capture reagent-nucleic acid complexes are easily isolated from the sample solution by mechanical or magnetic means and the bound nucleic acids are released by simple chemical treatment.

Abstract: Nucleotide analogs, modified by the attachment at hydrogen bonding positions of linker groups, that is, the 6-position of adenine, 4-position of cytosine, and 2-position of guanine, are prepared. Such analogs, alone or with reporter groups attached, may be incorporated into DNA probes which effectively hybridize to target DNA.