Chemically prepared DNA and RNA has fueled the realization of applications as diverse as PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, microarrays, DNA based data storage, design of synthetic genes and organisms, DNA based nanostructures, and the development of DNAs/RNAs as therapeutic drugs or diagnostic reagents. The phosphoramidite method of DNA and RNA synthesis has made these applications possible. Initially oligomers 20 or so in length were prepared but now, through recent modifications of the chemistry, DNAs/RNAs up to 300 in length are routinely synthesized. Using these modified procedures, Agilent has recently developed instruments that chemically synthesize DNA/RNA on chips (a total amount equivalent to the human genome each day � six billion coupling reactions or 3 billion base pairs). This chemistry will be outlined.              The versatility of the phosphoramidite methodology has provided an entre' into the synthesis of a large number of modified oligonucleotides. Certain recently prepared analogs are shown in the figure. The synthesis, biochemistry, and potential biological applications of these analogs as oligomers will be discussed.

Award Address  (ACS Award for Creative Invention sponsored by ACS Corporation Associates). Chemical synthesis, biochemistry, and biological activity of long DNAs/RNAs and their analogs

247th National Meeting (2014)

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