OLIGONUCLEOTIDES AS PROBES FOR STUDYING POLYMERIZATION REACTIONS IN DILUTE AQUEOUS-SOLUTION .2. POLYCONDENSATIONS

We have prepared a [P-32]-labeled oligonucleotide probe carrying a ure ido (-NH-CO-NH2) function at its 3'-terminus. This labeled oligomer wa s used to study polycondensations of urea and formaldehyde and of vari ous phenols and formaldehyde in aqueous solution. The formation of for maldehyde copolymers attached to the amido-function of the probe was m onitored by gel electrophoresis. Our results are generally in agree me nt with those obtained using conventional techniques. Our method is su itable for monitoring potentially prebiotic polycondensation reactions involving formaldehyde.