What are the accepted symbols for modified nucleotides in sequence listings?
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
According to MPEP 2412.05, modified nucleotides can be represented in sequence listings using specific symbols. The MPEP states:
“Modified nucleotides may be represented in the sequences as described in paragraph 3 of this section with the symbol “n,” and must be further described in the Feature section of the Sequence Listing.”
This means that any modified nucleotide should be represented by the symbol ‘n’ in the sequence itself. Additional details about the modification must be provided in the Feature section of the Sequence Listing to fully describe the nature of the modification.