ABSTRACT
Base composition analysis is a widely used analytical method in the ‰elds of molecular biology and biochemistry. Erwin Chargaff ‰rst recognized that DNA base composition is characteristic for the species it is derived from. Nowadays, DNA base composition, expressed as the G/C content, is one of the most important criteria in microbial taxonomy. Also, chemically synthesized oligonucleotides are examined via base composition analysis. It not only enables determination of oligonucleotide identity, but it also gives important information about side products and process related impurities. A number of procedures are available for determining the base composition. Among these procedures, the most widely used technique includes the enzymolysis of the nucleic acid to its constituents followed by HPLC quantitation of the individual nucleosides.
