COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED EXTRACTION AND HYBRIDIZATION OF NUCLEIC ACID

摘要

Methods for improved RNA/DNA hybridization and for improved extraction of nucleic acid from a biological sample are disclosed. Compositions for improved RNA/DNA hybridization and for improved extraction of nucleic acid are also provided. The hybridization methods make use of a trichloroacetate-containing composition that promotes nucleic acid base pairing and alters the Tm of RNA/DNA duplexes relative to the Tm of corresponding DNA/DNA duplexes. These properties may be advantageously applied in nucleic acid hybridization assays using DNA or RNA oligonucleotide probes. The extraction methods use a trihalogenated acetate-containing composition and permit precipitation of nucleic acid from lysates of complex biological specimens.