Abstract: Compositions and methods for sequencing a template polynucleotide comprising a sequence of interest are provided herein. The compositions and methods employ at least one blocking probe that is designed to bind in a sequence-specific manner to a blocking sequence such that primer extension beyond the site where the blocking probe binds is reduced or prevented.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte-coated particle, devices for using the particle, methods for using the particle for separating PCR reaction products and/or DNA sequencing reaction products, and compositions for coating the particle are provided.

Abstract: Methods for generating nucleic acid size standards are disclosed. The methods comprise providing a template polynucleotide which comprises periodic sequences of from about 5 to about 50 contiguous nucleotides containing not more than three types of nucleotides and wherein adjacent periodic sequences are separated by a terminator complement nucleotide that differs from the not more than three types of nucleotides, and performing a primer extension reaction on the template polynucleotide in the presence of nucleoside triphosphate molecules and a 3? terminating nucleoside triphosphate which is complementary to the terminator complement nucleotide.

Abstract: A method of generating a single-stranded nucleic acid of a predetermined sequence, comprising:

Abstract: The present teachings relate, among other things, to polynucleotide sequencing, fragment analysis and sample/lane tracking, and to polynucleotide sequencers and analyzers that employ optical detection techniques. Embodiments of the present teachings are described which include, for example, the addition of a calibration standard to a sequencing reaction. Information such as peak spacing and peak shape can he extracted from the standard.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved methods and compositions for loading samples into an analytical instrument having a plurality of sample receiving loading ports. In a principle embodiment of the invention, first and second sample markers are added to sample to be loaded onto an analytical instrument having a plurality of sample receiving loading ports. The first and second samples are compounds are selected so as to produce a distinctive signal upon combination thus a sample containing a first sample marker and a sample containing a second marker are mistakenly loaded into the same sample receiving loading port, a detectable signal indicative of the misloading is produced.