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Oligonucleotides as probes for studying polymerization reactions in dilute aqueous solutionWe have prepared a [32P]-labled oligonucleotide probe carrying a free primary amine at its 3'-terminus. This probe is used to initiate polymerization of aziridine (ethyleneimine) in aqueous solution. The nature of the oligomeric products and the kinetics of their formation are then monitored by gel electrophoresis. Our results are generally consistent with those obtained using conventional techniques. We have also investigated the effect of polyanionic templates on the rate of oligomerization of aziridine. We find that water-soluble polyanions generally accelerate the polymerization. The sodium salt of polymethacrylic acid is the most effective of the templates that we studied. The methods introduced in this paper should be applicable to a variety of polymerization reactions in aqueous solution. They should greatly simplify the screening of potentially prebiotic polymerization reactions.
Document ID
20040089703
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kolb, V.
(The Salk Institute for Biological Studies San Diego, CA 92186-5800, United States)
Orgel, L. E.
Miller, S. L.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of molecular evolution
Volume: 38
ISSN: 0022-2844
Subject Category
Exobiology
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1600
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2881
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Exobiology
Non-NASA Center

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