An automated instrument for the performance of enzymatic DNA sequencing reactions.

An instrument has been developed for the automation of enzymatic DNA sequencing reactions. Up to 96 DNA templates contained in a microtiter plate can be processed for either radioactive or fluorescence-based sequence analysis in a three-hour period. The quality of the resultant data is comparable to that obtained manually. The system is simple, flexible and is readily adapted to the use of new polymerases or modified experimental protocols.