TEMPLATE-CATALYZED OLIGOMERIZATION WITH AN ATACTIC GLYCEROL-BASED POLYNUCLEOTIDE ANALOG

We have tested the effect of a nonstereoregular (atactic) template, based on the acyclic nucleotide analog {Mathematical expression}, on the oligomerization of the complementary bis-phosphoimidazolide monomer, {Mathematical expression}. Although there is little catalysis when the template is added together with magnesium ions, the substitution of manganese for magnesium produces a substantial increase in the extent of oligomerization as well as increasing the effect of the template. These results are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that prochiral nucleotide analogs may have been precursors to the first RNA molecules. © 1990 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.