Chromatographic changes in specific tRNAs after reaction with cyanogen bromide and sodium periodate

Chromatography of chemically modified tRNAs has been used as a preliminary means of locating the nucleoside Q in tRNA species. The technique requires only milligram quantities of unfractionated tRNA and relies on altered chromatographic elution of the radioactive aminoacyl-tRNA after reaction with either CNBr or NaIO4. The nucleoside Q has previously been shown to react with both CNBr and NaIO4 resulting in the loss of its positive charge. …