Abstract: A method for determining mutation load in a somatic cell is determined by mutation analysis of the p53 gene. The p53 gene has been found to be a useful indicator of predisposition to spontaneous mutations or prior carcinogen exposure. Cells that contain mutated p53 tend to accumulate the mutant protein. Thus, DNA from a cell identified by p53 accumulation is amplified and the amplification product further analyzed for mutations in the p53 gene.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of amplifying a sequence of interest present within a nucleic acid molecule. In addition, this invention provides a method of determining the nucleotide sequence of a sequence of interest present within a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. GAWTS and RAWTS) which can be used to sequence tissue specific genes (e.g. tsRAWTS) and genes accross species (e.g. zooRAWTS).In addition, this invention provides a method of synthesizing a polypeptide encoded for by a nucleic acid molecule (RAWIT). Further, the subject invention provides a method of determining an internal nucleotide sequence present within a nucleic acid molecule, and a method of determining a terminal nucleotide sequence present within a nucleic acid molecule (e.g. PLATS).Also provided for is a method of determining the nucleotide sequence of sequences present within a nucleic acid molecule which are adjacent to areas of known sequence (e.