Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2′-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.

Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2′-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing the chemiluminescence from a stable 1,2-dioxetane triggered to produce a chemiluminescence are disclosed. Indirect, competitive nucleic acid hybridization assay formats are also described that employ these methods and compositions.

Abstract: A method of preparing a homogeneous alkaline phosphatase-oligonucleotide probe conjugate having high specific enzyme activity for use in nucleic acid hybridization assays is disclosed. Indirect, competitive nucleic acid hybridization assay formats are also described.

Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2'-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.

Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2'-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A convenient method for the quantitative determination of a DNA polymerase includes contacting an aqueous test specimen suspected of containing the enzyme with the following: a single-stranded DNA template present in a concentration of at least about 10.sup.-8 molar bases, a DNA primer complementary to the template, a source of a metal polymerase cofactor, sufficient deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates to synthesize double-stranded DNA in the presence of the polymerase, and a colorimetric or fluorescent dye which is capable of providing a detectable signal when a primed single-stranded nucleic acid is converted to double-stranded DNA by the polymerase. The rate of signal generation is then measured and can be correlated with the level of DNA polymerase in the specimen using graphical or mathematical means. The results of this method are precise, having a covariance of less than about 10%. A test kit includes the reagents needed for carrying out this method.

Abstract: Useful for visualizing biological materials in a solid phase, on a gel, or in a liquid phase is a solid salt of the meriquinone of benzidine or a substituted benzidine. An immobilized or dissolved complex of a polymeric anion and the meriquinone of benzidine or a substituted benzidine having controllable solubility may also be employed. Preferred are meriquinone salts and complexes of 3,3,5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine. For visualization, the benzidine or substituted benzidine is oxidized to its meriquinone at pH 3 to 7 in the presence of an effective anion or polymeric anion, an oxidation catalyst, and an effective amount of oxidant to form a solid salt or immobilized complex of the meriquinone under conditions where the meriquinone solubility lies below about 10.sup.-5 M.

Abstract: This invention utilizes beads in sample preparation to increase the precision of nucleotide hybridization assays.