A Polyribonucleotide Containing Alternating → P = O and → P = S Linkages.

The enzymatic synthesis of the polyribonucleotide ApUp(ApUp)_n by the use of RNA polymerase is described. Snake venom and spleen phosphodiesterase degrade this polymer at a very slow rate compared to poly r(A—U). The dinucleotide resulting from digestion with pancreatic ribonuclease is resistant to spleen phosphodiesterase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]