Ambion™ Cap Analog [m⁷G(5')ppp(5')G] is used for the synthesis of 5' capped RNA molecules in in vitro transcription reactions. These molecules are translated more efficiently in in vitro translation systems than uncapped mRNAs. 100 A₂₅₄ U supplied. Substitution of cap analog for a portion of the GTP in an in vitro transcription reaction results in the incorporation of the cap structure into a corresponding fraction of the transcripts. Capped mRNAs are generally translated more efficiently in reticulocyte lysate and wheat germ in vitro translation systems. It is important that in vitro transcripts be capped for microinjection experiments because uncapped mRNAs are rapidly degraded. Cap analog is also used as a highly specific inhibitor of the initiation step of protein synthesis.

Quality Control:
Each Cap Analog is rigorously tested for contaminating nonspecific endonuclease, exonuclease, and RNase activity. Each is also assayed for the efficient synthesis of capped in vitro transcripts by using the cap analog in functional MEGAscript™ In Vitro transcription and Retic Lysate translation reactions.

Accessory Products:
Complete kits are available with all the necessary reagents for the in vitro transcription of capped RNA transcripts. The mMESSAGE mMACHINE™ T7 Ultra Kit includes ARCA (SKU #AM1345). Also available are kits containing conventional cap analog; mMESSAGE mMACHINE™ T7 (SKU #AM1344), T3 (SKU #AM1348), and SP6 (SKU #AM1340) Kits. The Retic Lysate IVT™ (SKU #AM1200) for in vitro translation of mRNA is also available.