What is the status of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) residues in amino acid sequence listings?
According to MPEP 2412.03(b), peptide nucleic acid (PNA) residues have a special status in amino acid sequence listings. The MPEP clearly states:
“A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) residue is not considered an amino acid, but is considered a nucleotide.”
This distinction is important for patent applicants and examiners because:
- PNA residues should not be included in amino acid sequence listings.
- PNA residues should instead be treated as nucleotides and included in nucleotide sequence listings.
- This classification affects how PNA-containing molecules are represented and searched in patent databases.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2400 - Biotechnology,
MPEP 2412.03(B) - "Amino Acid",
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure