SYNTHESIS OF DNA DUMBBELLS - CHEMICAL VS ENZYMATIC LIGATION OF SELF-COMPLEMENTARY OLIGONUCLEOTIDES

The chemical (cyanogen bromide) and enzymatic (T4 DNA ligase) ligation of five different self-complementary oligonucleotide sequences which form 14-or 16-base pair dumbbells are described and compared here. A r eview of both chemical and enzymatic methods is presented; an improved enzymatic method is described as well. While both methods of ligation are effective, chemical ligation may be preferred since it is faster and less costly.