DNA has been covalently linked to insoluble matrices of agarose (Sepharose) in high yield using cyanogen bromide activation. Both double-stranded and single-stranded DNA have been coupled with yields up to 225 nmol/mg dry weight Sepharose or 3-8 mumol nucleotide phosphate/ml bed volume. The DNA-Sepharose has been used for (a) the affinity chromatography of various enzymes (Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I and RNA polymerase) from crude extracts or after initial purification steps, resulting in high yields and degrees of purification, and for (b) nucleic acid hybridization. The DNA-Sepharose is stable to high temperature, prolonged storage, and in the case of single-stranded DNA, can be washed with NaOH to destroy nuclease activity and to release any digested oligonucleotides or mononucleotides.