Polynucleotide Sequence Analysis by Sequential Base Elimination: 3′-Terminus of Phage Qβ RNA

Abstract

The nucleotide sequence of a 3'-terminal fragment obtained by ribonuclease T₁ hydrolysis of the ribonucleic acid from bacteriophage Qβ has been determined by an improved method of sequence analysis which involves sequential removal of bases by periodate oxidation and beta-elimination. The results obtained from ten such oxidation-elimination cycles and from the alkaline hydrolysis of the remaining oligonucleotide indicate that the first 16 nucleotides at the 3'-terminus of this ribonucleic acid have the sequence: -G-C-C-C-U-C-U-C-U-C-C-U-C-C-C-A.