Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for using nucleotide sequence variations of 16S and 23S rRNA within the B. cereus group to discriminate a highly infectious bacterium B. anthracis from closely related microorganisms. Sequence variations in the 16S and 23S rRNA of the B. cereus subgroup including B. anthracis are utilized to construct an array that can detect these sequence variations through selective hybridizations and discriminate B. cereus group that includes B. anthracis. Discrimination of single base differences in rRNA was achieved with a microchip during analysis of B. cereus group isolates from both single and in mixed samples, as well as identification of polymorphic sites. Successful use of a microchip to determine the appropriate subgroup classification using eight reference microorganisms from the B. cereus group as a study set, was demonstrated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method of discriminating a highly infectious bacterium Bacillus anthracis from a group of closely related microorganisms. Sequence variations in the 16S and 23S rRNA of the B. cereus subgroup including B. anthracis are utilized to construct an array that can detect these sequence variations through selective hybridizations. The identification and analysis of these sequence variations enables positive discrimination of isolates of the B. cereus group that includes B. anthracis. Discrimination of single base differences in rRNA was achieved with a microchip during analysis of B. cereus group isolates from both single and in mixed probes, as well as identification of polymorphic sites. Successful use of a microchip to determine the appropriate subgroup classification using eight reference microorganisms from the B. cereus group as a study set, was demonstrated.

Abstract: A method for manipulating genetic material, the method comprising disrupting cells so as to liberate genetic material contained in the cells; contacting the genetic material to a silica column in a manner to cause the genetic material to become immobilized to the column; labeling the immobilized genetic material; and eluting the labeled material from the column. Also provided is a two-buffer process for manipulating genetic material, the process comprising: contacting cells containing the genetic material to a silica column; creating a first fraction of cell detritus and a second fraction containing the genetic material; confining the genetic material to the column; removing the cell detritus; contacting the genetic material with radicals so as to produce reactive aldehyde groups on the genetic material, and attaching chromophore to the genetic material.

Abstract: A method for manipulating genetic material, the method comprising disrupting cells so as to liberate genetic material contained in the cells; contacting the genetic material to a silica column in a manner to cause the genetic material to become immobilized to the column; labeling the immobilized genetic material; and eluting the labeled material from the column. Also provided is a two-buffer process for manipulating genetic material, the process comprising: contacting cells containing the genetic material to a silica column; creating a first fraction of cell detritus and a second fraction containing the genetic material; confining the genetic material to the column; removing the cell detritus; contacting the genetic material with radicals so as to produce reactive aldehyde groups on the genetic material, and attaching chromophore to the genetic material.