TABLE 1.
pKa values for functional groups related to those of an RNA phosphodiester
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The three rate-determining pKa values for spontaneous RNA degradation due to specific acid and base catalysis are as follows: pKa1 defines protonation at the 5′-oxygen; pKa2 is for the first NBPO; and pKa3 relates to protonation of the 2′-oxygen from the oxyanion to a hydroxyl. The pKa values are listed for the functional groups depicted in italics. Values in bold type were determined experimentally, whereas the remainder are estimates. W indicates adenosine or uridine.
