Nonenzymatic Template-Directed RNA Synthesis

The aim of this chapter is to provide reliable protocols for the study of nonenzymatic oligomerization reactions of ribonucleic acid and its analogs. Traditional radioactive labels are replaced by fluorescent dyes. Product analysis is either based on reversed-phase high-pressure (performance) liquid chromatography or on gel electrophoresis with on-line detection applying a deoxyribonucleic acid sequencer. Three examples of primer extensions are given, one of which demonstrates how the reaction of several primers may be monitored simultaneously.