SINGLE-PRIMER NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION METHODS

摘要

The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing multiple copies of a target nucleic acid sequence which are autocatalytic (i.e., able to cycle automatically without the need to modify reaction conditions such as temperature, pH, or ionic strength and using the product of one cycle in the next one). The "priming oligonucleotide" is a promoter oligonucleotide modified to prevent polymerase extension from its 3'-terminus and, optionally, a means for terminating a primer extension reaction, to amplify RNA or DNA molecules in vitro, while reducing or substantially eliminating the formation of side-products. A method for making the priming oligonucleotide available for extension in the presence of the target is provided.