Nucleic Acid Pool Preparation and Characterization

Random sequence nucleic acid pools can be used in a variety of applications, including the selection of functional nucleic acids such as protein binding sites, aptamers, and ribozymes. While the design, synthesis, and purification of pools is relatively straightforward, keeping track of the size and complexity of a nucleic acid pool can sometimes task even an experienced researcher. The following protocol takes the reader through the steps necessary for the preparation of a pool of known complexity.