Methods, kits and compositions of matter are provided which allow amplification of nucleic acid or interest or DNA of interest, comprising the steps of isolating template nucleic acid or DNA from a biological sample using an alkaline extraction solution and directly adding the extract to a reaction mixture, under conditions to amplify the nucleic acids, wherein the isolated template nucleic acid or DNA in the alkaline extraction solution is not diluted or not neutralized prior to the addition to the reaction mixture.