Rapid detection and indentification of nucleic acid variants and pathogens

摘要

The present invention relates to means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. Enzymes, including 5' nucleases and 3' exonucleases, are used to screen for known and unknown mutations, including single base changes, in nucleic acids. Methods are provided which allow for the identification of genetic mutations in human gene sequences, including the human p53 gene, in a sample. Methods are provided which allow for the detection and identification of bacterial and viral pathogens and species in a sample.