Rapid analysis of 3'-ends of DNA fragments by terminal 32P-labeling

A fast method of analysis of the 3′ ends of oligodeoxyribonucleotides is described. Basically the method involves: (a) Labeling of the 3′ ends of oligodeoxyribonucleotides with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and [α-³²P] ATP as donor; (b) hydrolysis of the labeled fragments to 3′ deoxymononucleotides by acid DNase and spleen exonuclease; (c) unidimensional separation on polyethylene imine cellulose thin-layer plates of the four 3′ deoxyribomononucleotides, 3′ riboadenylic acid, and ATP.