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. 1973 Mar;70(3):934–938. doi: 10.1073/pnas.70.3.934

An RNA that Multiplies Indefinitely with DNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase: Selection from a Random Copolymer

Christof K Biebricher 1,*, Leslie E Orgel 1
PMCID: PMC433391  PMID: 4577140

Abstract

We have selected from a mixture of random polynucleotides an RNA that is able to replicate in the presence of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of Escherichia coli, provided the medium contains Mn2+ and ITP, in addition to ATP, CTP, and UTP. The RNA consists of a chain of about 125 (±25) nucleotides and appears to have a defined, nonrepetitive sequence.

Keywords: E. coli polymerase, Mn++, 125-nucleotide RNA, virus evolution, self-replication

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Selected References

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