Question

Design an oligonucleotide-based affinity chromatography system for purifying mature mRNAs from eukaryotic cell lysates.

Short answer

In this technique of oligonucleotide-based affinity chromatography system, poly A tails can associate themselves with the poly d matrix and the rest of the components can be washed off leaving only the mRNA.

Step-by-step solution

Separation of mRNA

Post transcription mRNA or processed mRNA has a poly A tail which has affinity for poly d of the matrix and thus, can bind to the mRNA.

Explanation

The technique of affinity chromatography is used to purify the mature RNA from eukaryotic cell lysates. In this process the column is applied with cell lysates which gets immobilized on the matrix of poly d(T) oligonucleotide . The poly A $200-300$ adenylate residues at the 3’end of the processed RNA)binds to thepoly d of the matrix. Following which the other cellular components can be washed off.The mRNA can be removed by loweringthe salt concentration which separates the base pairs. Therefore oligonucleotide based affinitychromatography system for purifying mature mRNAs from eukaryotic cell lysates is designed.