Patent ID: 8501441

Claim:
A method comprising the steps of a. Providing a template nucleic acid b. Providing a first oligonucleotide primer c. Providing a polymerase d. Providing nucleotide triphosphates e. Mixing the components of steps a-d and providing conditions that allow the first oligonucleotide primer to anneal to the template wherein the first oligonucleotide is an oligonucleotide of a length between 5 and 60 nt. comprising a triplex forming monomer unit (TINA monomer) of the formula Z, wherein Z is described by the general structure: X-L-I 1 -C-I 2 wherein X is a backbone monomer unit that can be incorporated into the backbone of a oligonucleotide or a oligonucleotide analogue, or PNA, or PNA analogues, L is a linker, I 1 is a first intercalator comprising at least one flat conjugated system, C is an optional conjugator and I 2 is a second intercalator comprising at least one flat conjugated system f. Under conditions allowing primer extension, extending the first oligonucleotide annealed to the template.