Probing the 3' end of RNA by sodium periodate oxidation and β-elimination
Essentially sodium periodate will oxidize the vicinal 3' and 2' OH groups at the 3' end of an RNA molecule. Subsequently the 3' terminal nucleotide is
lost which can be visualized by single-nucleotide resolution gel electrophoresis. If the RNA has some sort of modification, say 2'-methoxy then no
such elimination would occur.
Could someone explain to me the mechanism of this elimination. How is the nucleotide lost after sodium periodate treatment?
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