Solid residue creation

A common method for DNA synthesis is the phosphite triester method (Fig. 7-6). A single-stranded oligonucleotide is formed by the sequential creation of diester bonds between the 5 -hydroxyl of one residue and the 3 -phosphate of the next. The 3 -phosphate is activated by substitution by dialkyl phosphoamidite (DPA) and reacts readily with the free 5 -OH of the first nucleotide. To prevent the formation of unwanted linkages the first nucleotide is linked, by the 3 -OH, to a solid support (often silica gel) in a column or funnel the 5 -OH of the second nucleotide is prevented from reacting by a dimethoxytrityl group (DMT). 

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