Methods of random mutagenesis and methods of modifying nucleic acids using translesion DNA polymerases

A method for incorporating a mutation into a nucleic acid molecule comprising:

• (a) combining at least one nucleic acid template and at least one Translesion DNA polymerase;
• and
• (b) incubating the combination of (a) under conditions sufficient to produce one or more nucleic acid molecules complementary to all or a portion of said at least one template, wherein said complementary nucleic acid molecule comprises at least one mismatch.

A method for incorporating one or more modified nucleotides into a nucleic acid molecule comprising:

• (a) combining at least one nucleic acid template, at least one modified nucleotide, and at least one Translesion DNA polymerase;
• and
• (b) incubating the combination of (a) under conditions sufficient to produce one or more nucleic acid molecules complementary to all or a portion of said at least one template, wherein said complementary nucleic acid molecule comprises at least one modified nucleotide.

A kit for incorporating a mutation into one or more nucleic acid molecules comprising at least one Translesion DNA polymerase.

A kit for incorporating modified nucleotides into one or more nucleic acid molecules comprising at least one Translesion DNA polymerase.

A composition comprising at least one Translesion DNA polymerase and further comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of:

• one or more non-translesion DNA polymerases, one or more reverse transcriptases, one or more nucleotides, one or more buffers, one or more primers, and one or more nucleic acid molecules.

A reaction mixture comprising at least one Translesion DNA polymerase and further comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of:

• one or more non-translesion DNA polymerases, one or more reverse transcriptases, one or more nucleotides, one or more buffers, one or more primers, and one or more nucleic acid molecules.