How should sequences with gaps or unknowns be represented?
Sequences with gaps or unknowns should be represented as follows:
- For sequences with known numbers of unknown residues:
- Include as one sequence in the sequence listing
- Use “n” for unknown nucleotides and “X” for unknown amino acids
- Specify the exact number of “n” or “X” residues
- For sequences with unknown numbers of residues between regions:
- Do not represent as a single sequence
- Include each region of specifically defined residues as a separate sequence
- Assign each region its own sequence identifier
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2400 - Biotechnology,
MPEP 2412.05 - Representation And Symbols For Nucleotide And/Or Amino Acid Sequences,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure