A method is described for the direct, exponential amplification and sequencing ("DEXAS") of
a DNA molecule from a complex mixture of nucleic acids, wherein truncated
DNA molecules as well as
DNA molecules of full length are synthesized simultaneously and exponentially between two positions on the said
DNA molecule, which initially contains
a DNA molecule in a thermocycling reaction, a first primer, a second primer, a reaction buffer, a thermostable
DNA polymerase, a thermostable
pyrophosphatase (optionally), deoxynucleotides or derivatives thereof and a
dideoxynucleotide or derivatives thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention,
direct sequencing of
RNA can be performed using one
polymerase having a Tabor-Richardson
mutation, or a
functional derivative thereof, and
reverse transcriptase activity. In a more preferred embodiment of the method of the invention,
direct sequencing of
RNA can be performed in one step, in one vessel.