The design of primers is frequently complicated by the degeneracy of the genetic code. Three strategies are now available to confront this problem.
- A mixed base addition (N) is used to form the degenerate site. This approach is best if the number of degenerate sites is small.
- The use of 2'-deoxyInosine or 2'-deoxyNebularine which exhibit low, but unequal, hydrogen bonding to the other 4 bases.
- The use of a universal nucleotide. In this strategy, the base analog does not hybridise significantly to the other 4 bases and makes up some of the duplex destabilisation by acting as an intercalating agent.
EXTINCTION DATA
Item |
Nucleoside |
λMax-1 |
Emax-1 |
λMax-2 |
Emax-2 |
E260 |
|
|
(nm) |
(ml/µmole) |
nm |
(ml/µmole) |
(ml/µmole) |
10-1040 |
dI (Inosine) |
249 |
12.5 |
|
|
7.5 |
Frequently Asked Technical Question
QUESTION: What is the base-pairing specificity of dI in an oligonucleotide?
RESPONSE:Deoxy-Inosine is often used as a degenerate base in an oligonucleotide probe or primer. This is possible since the structure allows it to base pair with all four bases in various wobble structures. However the base-pairing is not equivalent with each of the 4 naturally occuring bases. The overall preferential order of base-pairing is.
dI-dC > dI-dA > dI-dG = dI-dT
REFERENCE(S):
Martin,F.H. et.al., (1985), Nucleic Acids Res., 13, 8927-8938.
Case-Green,S. C., Southern, E.M., (1994), Nucleic Acids Res., 22, 131-136.
DILUTION/COUPLING DATA
The table below shows pack size data and, for solutions, dilutions and approximate couplings based on normal priming procedures. Please link for more detailed usage information with the various synthesizers.
ABI 392/394 |
Cat.No. |
Pack Size |
Grams/ Pack |
0.1M Dil. (mL) |
LV40 |
LV200 |
40nm |
0.2µm |
1µm |
10µm |
Approximate Number of Additions |
10-1040-02 |
0.25grams |
.25grams |
3.31 |
97 |
58.2 |
36.38 |
26.45 |
19.4 |
4.85 |
10-1040-90 |
100µmoles |
.075grams |
1 |
20 |
12 |
7.5 |
5.45 |
4 |
1 |
Expedite |
Cat.No. |
Pack Size |
Grams/ Pack |
Dilution (mL) |
Molarity |
50nm |
0.2µm |
1µm |
15µm |
|
Approximate Number of Additions |
10-1040-02 |
0.25grams |
.25grams |
4.94 |
.07 |
92.4 |
57.75 |
42 |
5.78 |
|
10-1040-90 |
100µmoles |
.075grams |
1.5 |
.07 |
23.6 |
14.75 |
10.73 |
1.48 |
|
Beckman |
Cat.No. |
Pack Size |
Grams/ Pack |
Dilution (mL) |
Molarity |
30nm |
200nm |
1000nm |
|
|
Approximate Number of Additions |
10-1040-02 |
0.25grams |
.25grams |
4.94 |
.07 |
94 |
58.75 |
42.73 |
|
|
10-1040-90 |
100µmoles |
.075grams |
1.5 |
.07 |
25.2 |
15.75 |
11.45 |
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