Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides having a nucleotide polymerase activity and method of enhancing polymerase activity. The polypeptides of the present invention may possess both a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity and an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity, i.e., a reverse transcriptase activity. The polypeptides of the present invention may be used in any application including, but not limited to, DNA sequencing reactions, amplification reactions, cDNA synthesis reactions, and combined cDNA synthesis and amplification reactions, e.g., RT-PCR.

Abstract: Effective management of finfish stocks to avoid or mitigate the threat of fish-killing phytoplankton is of increasing concern, particularly in temperate seas. Intensive spatial and temporal sampling is required to monitor and quantify potentially harmful species, so that prior warning can be received of an imminent bloom. The use of large-subunit rRNA (LSU rRNA)-targeted oligonucleotide probes based on the sandwich hybridization assay to detect the fragile species Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada and Fibrocapsa japonica Toriumi & Takano (Raphidophyceae) is disclosed. Species-specific sandwich hybridization assays were successfully developed for various Raphidophytes.

Abstract: Effective management of finfish stocks to avoid or mitigate the threat of fish-killing phytoplankton is of increasing concern, particularly in temperate seas. Intensive spatial and temporal sampling is required to monitor and quantify potentially harmful species, so that prior warning can be received of an imminent bloom. The use of large-subunit rRNA (LSU rRNA)-targeted oligonucleotide probes based on the sandwich hybridization assay to detect the fragile species Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada and Fibrocapsa japonica Toriumi & Takano (Raphidophyceae) is disclosed. Species-specific sandwich hybridization assays were successfully developed for various Raphidophytes.