Disclosed are methods for amplifying and sequencing target segments of nucleotides. In the method, nucleic acids are amplified using at least two oligonucleotide primers, wherein at least one of the primers contains a complimentary region that hybridizes adjacent to the target segment of nucleotides and an extender region that includes a primer hybridization sequence. Also included are methods of amplification with an extender region includes a sequence encoding a promoter for an RNA polymerase and optionally sequences for translation. The latter amplified products may be used for transcription of a RNA including subsequent translation of the RNA to generate a protein product.