Verfahren zur Charakterisierung von Polynukleotiden

The method of the invention is used to identify specific characteristics of a target polynucleotide in a sample, and comprises the steps of: i) attaching to one end of each target polynucleotide in the sample a polynucleotide signal sequence that is specific for the characteristic under study; ii) contacting the target polynucleotides with a molecule that interacts with the target polynucleotide if the characteristic is present; iii) attaching a polynucleotide adapter sequence to those targets polynucleotides that interact with the molecule of step (ii), the adapter being attached at the end of the target polynucleotide opposite that at which the signal sequence is attached; iv) carrying out a polynucleotide amplification reaction on those target polynucleotides that comprise both the adapter and signal sequence, optionally repeating steps (i) to (iv) for other characteristics; and (v) identifying which signal sequences are present on the amplified products, and in which order, to thereby determine the characteristics of each target polynucleotide.