Patent ID: 8278052

Claim:
A kit for use in the selective amplification of at least one target nucleic acid sequence from a nucleic acid sample, said kit comprising: (a) a tagged oligonucleotide comprising: (i) a first region comprising a target hybridizing sequence which hybridizes to a 3′-end of a target nucleic acid sequence under a first set of conditions so that said first region can be extended in a template-dependent manner in the presence of a DNA polymerase; and (ii) a second region comprising a tag sequence situated 5′ to said first region, wherein said second region does not stably hybridize to a target nucleic acid containing said target nucleic acid sequence under said first set of conditions; (b) a tag closing sequence which hybridizes to said target hybridizing sequence under a second set of conditions, thereby blocking hybridization of said tagged oligonucleotide to said target nucleic acid sequence, wherein said tag closing sequence does not stably hybridize to said target hybridizing sequence under said first set of conditions; and (c) a first priming oligonucleotide which hybridizes to the complement of said tag sequence under said second set of conditions so that said first priming oligonucleotide can be extended in a template-dependent manner in the presence of a DNA polymerase.