The method of claim 13, wherein said terminal-phosphate-labeled nucleotide is represented by formula I: wherein P=phosphate (PO3) and derivatives thereof, n is 2 or greater; Y is an oxygen or sulfur atom; B is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic base; S is an acyclic moiety, carbocyclic moiety or sugar moiety; and P-L is a phosphorylated label which becomes independently detectable when the phospha