The problem of nuclease activity in nucleic acid hybridization reactions. Theoretical considerations.

The presence of nuclease during DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridization reactions alters the kinetics of hybrid formation. Unfortunately, while the effect (even of small amounts of nucleas) on the Cot curve may be large, it may not be readily detectable. The effect of various types of nuclease is shown. As many nucleases cause a shift in the position rather than a change in shape of the curve, all studies involving nucleic acid hybridization should assay for the presence of nucleases and care must be taken to avoid their presence as contaminants.