A SUPPORT FOR SYNTHESIS OF FULL-LENGTH OLIGONUCLEOTIDES

Standard oligonucleotide synthesis yields a considerable proportion of defective molecules, increasing with the length of the: product. Here we describe a novel support for oligonucleotide synthesis, substantia lly reducing the frequency of internally deleted molecules, and permit ting depurinated molecules to be cleaved, and the 5' ends removed, bef ore the oligonucleotides are released from the support. In this manner , a simple chromatographic step ensures that all molecules obtained ha ve complete 3' and 5' ends. Oligonucleotides of greatly increased puri ty are obtained, suitable as ligation probes, for DNA structural analy sis, or as antisense reagents.