| abstract |
The invention is an improved method for the amplification of nucleic acid, wherein ribonucleotides that weaken normal base pairing are introduced during amplification. Preferably, the ribonucleotides are inosine-triphosphate nucleotides which partly substitute guanine-triphosphate nucleotides normally present in the amplification reaction mixture. These ribonucleotides weaken normal base pairing and prevent the formation of secondary structures in the amplificate, thereby increasing the efficiency of amplification. Also, improved sensitivity results during detection of the amplified nucleic acid when the detection method comprises the hybridization of the amplified nucleic acid to a complementary sequence. |