Chemical Primer Extension:Efficiently Determining Single Nucleotides in DNA

摘要

The replication and transcription of genetic information requires the step-wise extension of DNA or RNA primers in sequence-specific,template-directed reactions(Scheme 1).Template-directed primer extension also underlies PCR,dideoxy sequencing,and attempts to recreate life from inanimate materials.Primer extension presents a formidable chemical challenge.Four different,richly functional-ized monomers(the mononucleotides)have to be converted into good electro-philes that react in sequence-selective oligomerization reactions in aqueous solution without polymerizing or hydrolyzing rapidly.