T4 polynucleotide ligase catalyzed joining on triple-stranded nucleic acids.

dT1O will form triple-stranded complexes with dAn and these complexes can serve as substrate for T4 polynucleotide ligase (EC 6.5.1.1). The rate of phosphodiester formation was found to be approximately the same as for the double-stranded complex and, furthermore, the rate appears to be similar on the two strands in the complex. Joining of dT1O also took place in the presence of the double-stranded complexes dAn.dTn and dAn.rUn. Polyamines increase the rate of joining catalyzed by T4 polynucleotide ligase under certain conditions.