V. Kolb et Le. Orgel, OLIGONUCLEOTIDES AS PROBES FOR STUDYING POLYMERIZATION REACTIONS IN DILUTE AQUEOUS-SOLUTION .2. POLYCONDENSATIONS, Journal of molecular evolution, 40(2), 1995, pp. 115-119
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.