What is considered an “amino acid” in a Sequence Listing XML?
According to MPEP 2412.03(b), an “amino acid” in a Sequence Listing XML includes:
- Any D- or L-amino acid
- Modified amino acids as defined in WIPO Standard ST.26
- Amino acids with modified or synthetic side chains
The MPEP states: Amino acids will be construed as unmodified L-amino acids unless further described in a feature table.
It’s important to note that peptide nucleic acid (PNA) residues are not considered amino acids, but are treated as nucleotides. Modified amino acids must be described in a feature table using appropriate feature keys and qualifiers.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2400 - Biotechnology,
MPEP 2412.03 - Nucleotides And Amino Acids Included And Excluded From A "Sequence Listing Xml",
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure