| abstract |
The present invention relates to an instrument and a method to determine the nucleotide sequence in a DNA molecule without the use of a gel electrophoresis step. The method employs an unknown primed single stranded DNA sequence which is immobilized or entrapped within a chamber with a polymerase so that the sequentially formed cDNA can be monitored at each addition of a blocked nucleotide by measurement of the presence of an innocuous marker on specified deoxyribonucleotides. The invention also relates to a method of determining the unknown DNA nucleotide sequence using blocked deoxynucleotides. The blocked dNTP has an innocuous marker so that its identity can be easily determined. The present instrument and method provide a rapid accurate determination of a DNA nucleotide sequence without the use of gel electrophoresis. |