Provided is a method for replicating a mirror nucleic acid, comprising: reacting a mirror nucleic acid template, a mirror nucleic acid primer and mirror dNTPs/rNTPs in the presence of a mirror nucleic acid polymerase, so as to obtain the mirror nucleic acid.

Ordered assembly of large numbers of fragments into a single large DNA have been improved in both frequency and fidelity of the assembled product. This has been achieved by novel compositions and methods that are utilized in a computer system that integrates comprehensive ligation data from multiple sources to provide optimized synthetic overhangs or overhangs from restriction endonuclease cleavage on DNA fragments for assembly by ligation. Intragenic cut sites are avoided by the use of a novel restriction endonuclease which recognizes 7 nucleotides (bases) and cuts DNA to create 4-base overhangs with the help of a synthetic activator oligonucleotide. Variations in ligation preferences by different ligases provide extra precision in assembly reactions. The use of the improved methods are exemplified by the successful assembly from 52 fragments of a viral genome and also a 52 fragment ordered assembly of a bacteria operon.

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

Technology provided herein relates in part to methods, processes, machines and apparatuses for determining sequences of nucleotides for nucleic acid templates in a nucleic acid sample. The technology provide herein also relates in part to methods, processes, machines and apparatuses for counting nucleic acid templates. Nucleic acid templates of a sample are tagged with nonrandom oligonucleotide adapters that include predetermined non-randomly generated sequences. The use of these nonrandom oligonucleotide adapters provides an efficient method to reduce sequencing errors, and increase the sensitivity of detection of low-frequency single nucleotide alterations.

Provided are methods and systems useful for screening large libraries of effector molecules. Such methods and systems are particularly useful in microfluidic systems and devices. The methods and systems provided herein utilize encoded effectors to screen large libraries of effectors.

The present invention provides a method for constructing a next-generation sequencing library for detecting low-frequency mutations, and a kit thereof. The constructing method comprises steps of obtaining blunt-end DNA fragments, obtaining DNA fragments with A-tail at the 3′ end, obtaining adapter-added DNA fragments using a specific nucleotide sequence and obtaining amplification products using a specific nucleotide sequence.

Provided are compositions, methods and systems for determining the sequence of a template nucleic acid using a polymerase-based, sequencing-by-binding procedure. An examination step involves monitoring the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more nucleotides. Identity of the next correct nucleotide in the sequence is determined without incorporation of any nucleotide into the structure of the primer by formation of a phosphodiester bond. An optional incorporation step can be used after the examination step to extend the primer by one or more nucleotides, thereby incrementing the template nucleotides that can be examined in a subsequent examination step. The sequencing-by-binding procedure does not require the use of labeled nucleotides or polymerases, but optionally can employ these reagents.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a solid support suitable for synthesizing nucleic acid sequences. The solid support may have a structure according to Formula I, where CPG is controlled pore glass, and m, n, x, y, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined herein.

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Also disclosed are methods for making and using the solid support, kits including solid support, and a universal linker phosphoramidite suitable for use in the solid support.

An example of a functionalized plasmonic nanostructure includes a plasmonic nanostructure core; a polymeric hydrogel attached to the plasmonic nanostructure core, the polymeric hydrogel having a thickness ranging from about 10 nm to about 200 nm; and a plurality of primers attached to side chains or arms of the polymeric hydrogel, wherein at least some of the plurality of primers are attached to the polymeric hydrogel at different distances from the plasmonic nanostructure core.

Among other things, a method for normalizing a sample is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) reacting a sample with a limiting amount of a single-turnover sequence-specific endonuclease that recognizes a target sequence, thereby cleaving a portion of the nucleic acid molecules that comprise the target sequence and producing a normalized amount of a first cleavage product; and (b) isolating, transcribing or selectively amplifying the normalized amount of the first cleavage product. In this method, because a limiting amount of the endonuclease is used, the normalized amount of the first cleavage product is determined by the limiting amount of the first single-turnover sequence-specific endonuclease used in step (a).