The reaction of uridine 5′-monophosphate and polyuridylic acid with formaldehyde

Abstract

The interaction of formaldehyde with uridine 5′-monophosphate (UMP-5′) and polyuridylic acid (poly-U) has been examined by using spectrophotometry, pH-elevation, and pH-statting. The results are interpreted in terms of a rapid, reversible, exothermic interaction of the respective imino-groups with one molecule of formaldehyde. The double helix of poly-U was stable to low, but not to high, concentrations of formaldehyde.