Modular vector systems

Abstract

The present invention provides improved techniques and reagents for producing nucleic acid molecules. In certain preferred embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules are modular vectors. In certain preferred embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules are produced in polymerase chain reactions employing terminator primer residues.

1 . A method comprising steps of:
 performing a polymerase chain reaction in which one primer contains at least one 2′-O-methyl residue, such that extension of the complementary strand terminates at the 2′-O-methyl residue.   
     
     
         2 . A nucleic acid molecule containing a double stranded portion and at least one single-stranded overhang, which nucleic acid molecule is produced according to the method of step 1. 
     
     
         3 . A method comprising steps of:
 ligating the nucleic acid molecule of  claim 2  to another nucleic acid molecule.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the ligating occurs in vivo. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the ligating is performed in vitro. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the ligating is performed by adding the polymerase chain reaction mixture to competent cells without first isolating the nucleic acid. 
     
     
         7 . A nucleic acid molecule produced according to the method of  claim 3 .