Method of determining the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotides and DNA molecules

A method of analyzing a nucleic acid molecule, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a template/primer duplex;
• (b) contacting the duplex with a single type of unlabeled and unblocked deoxyribonucleotide in the presence of a polymerase under conditions that allow extension of the primer by incorporation of at least one deoxyribonucleotide to the 3′ end of the primer, wherein contacting occurs in a reaction cell;
• and
• (c) detecting a physical or chemical change within the reaction cell that is associated with incorporation of the deoxyribonucleotide into the duplex, thereby determining whether extension of the primer has occurred.

A method of analyzing a nucleic acid molecule, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a template/primer duplex;
• (b) contacting the duplex with a single type of unlabeled and unblocked deoxyribonucleotide in the presence of a polymerase under conditions that allow extension of the primer by incorporation of at least one deoxyribonucleotide to the 3′ end of the primer, wherein contacting occurs in a reaction cell;
• and
• (c) non-optically detecting within the reaction cell a reaction by-product associated with incorporation of the deoxyribonucleotide into the duplex, thereby determining whether extension of the primer has occurred.

A method of analyzing a nucleic acid molecule, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a template/primer duplex;
• (b) contacting the duplex with a single type of unlabeled and unblocked deoxyribonucleotide in the presence of a polymerase under conditions that allow extension of the primer by incorporation of at least one deoxyribonucleotide to the 3′ end of the primer, wherein contacting occurs in a reaction cell;
• and
• (c) directly detecting in the reaction cell whether extension of the primer has occurred.