Reaction on alternating GC oligonucleotide templates.

The condensation reactions of activated nucleotides, ImpN or 2-MeImpN, with the self-complementary ribo-octanucleotide GCGCGCGC or with the partially self-complementary heptanucleotide GCGCGCG were studied. The template-directed reaction of 2-MeImpC with the heptamer yields the 3'-5' octamer as the main product. All other reactions yield 2'-5'-linked octamers and pyrophosphates as major products. Surprisingly, 2-MeImpG facilitates the reaction of 2-MeImpC with the heptamer. Procedures for the analysis by gel electrophoresis of the oligomeric products obtained in reactions of this kind are described.