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chain-terminating
precursors of DNA synthesis that block further polymerization when
added to the end of the DNA strand by DNA polymerase. These nucleotides
lack a 3'-OH (hydroxyl) group necessary for continued 5'-to-3' DNA
synthesis. Dideoxynucleotides are used in molecular biology for Sanger-type
DNA sequencing, and in medicine as anti-retroviral drugs for the treatment
of HIV infection (e.g., ddI, ddC, and AZT). |
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