DETECTION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS BY MULTIPLE SEQUENTIAL INVASIVE CLEAVAGES

摘要

The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterizatio n of nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. The structure - specific nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof. The present invention further relates to methods and devices for th e separation of nucleic acid molecules based on charge. The present invention also provides methods for the detection of non-target cleavage products via the formation of a complete and activated protein binding region. The invention further provides sensitive and specifi c methods for the detection of nucleic acid from various viruses in a sample.