Specific Complex Formation in Aqueous Solutions Involving Mononucleotides and Oligonucleotides

Data on complex formation between synthetic polynucleotides and complementary oligo(mono)nucleotides are reviewed and analysed. The principal methods for the investigation of complexes are examined and the limits of their applicability are estimated. Attention is concentrated on the complex formation conditions (temperature, ionic strength, pH, concentration, component ratio, etc.). The influence of the nature of the heterocyclic base and the sugar and of the length of the oligonucleotide chain on the stoichiometry and thermal stability of the complexes is discussed. The bibliography includes 150 references.