2000 年 58 巻 12 号 p. 1133-1143
Development of functional nucleic acids and peptides by combinatorial chemistry and downsizing methods is described. First, catalytic short RNAs (ribozymes) and DNAs (deoxyribozymes) are made and the metal ion effect on their activity is discussed. Surprisingly, these small nucleic acids can cleave RNA substrates at only one site precisely. Second, a novel and only 24 residue peptide derived from RecA protein can discriminate a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) from a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). A new developed support with this peptide recognizes ssDNA but not dsDNA. Finally, a novel screening method of combinatorial chemistry and its application for studying interactions between life molecules including sugars are reviewed.