Alkylation of polyribonucleotides: the biological, physical, and chemical properties of alkylated polyuridylic acid.

Abstract
The reaction of sulfur mustard with polyuridylic acid and the effect of alkylation on template activity was studied. Evidence is presented which demonstrates that sulfur mustard reacts at the 5[image] phosphate of the chain-terminal residue in poly U, resulting in a decreased activity to direct phenylalanine into protein. These results suggest a possible mode of action of alkylating agents at the level of messenger activity.