Molecular Characterization of Free Nucleic Acids in Coconut Water
Marni E. Cueno* and Rita P. Laude
Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences,
College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031
corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABSTRACT
Several studies have already been done on coconut water (CW). However, detailed molecular studies have not been made. We established, identified, and characterized the free nucleic acids (FNA) found in CW from three local coconut varieties using ethanol precipitation, colorimetric detection, and digestion assay methods. FNAs found at varying ages of the coconut drupe follow an ontogenetic pattern. In addition, FNAs extracted revealed a double-stranded FNA (dsFNA) conformation which is present throughout the different ages of the drupe. Digestion assays performed reveal that the dsFNA extracted is composed of a DNA:mRNA hybrid. Interestingly, though our digestion assays suggest that the other portion of the hybrid is DNA, digesting the samples with RNAse A yielded no detectable nucleic acid form in the colorimetric assays, inferring both strands to be RNA. Considering that miRNAs behave like DNA, we, in light of our results, speculate the existence of an miRNA:mRNA hybrid.
INTRODUCTION
The coconut palm plays an important role as a subsistence crop and commercial oil crop in largely coastal and tropical regions. It is widely grown in tropical countries like the Philippines, with 64 out of the 72 provinces having coconut as its major crop (Santos & Rivera 2005). Despite the economic importance of this crop and its significant contribution to the livelihood of many Filipinos, . . . .
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