Temperature-dependence of the template-directed synthesis of oligoguanylates

The oligomerization of (guanosine 5'-phosphor)-2-methylimidazolide on a poly(C) template proceeds efficiently at temp. as high as 37 degrees, although the helical complex formed by the template and substrate melts at a much lower temp. At higher temp. oligomerization depends on the template-independent formation of short oligomeric initiators, which then elongate on the template. The rate of elongation is only slightly dependent on oligomer length for lengths greater than that of the initiator.