Where a modification to a nucleotide, or a modification motif to an oligonucleotide, is optional, is annotation of that modification required under ST.26?
To restate the scenario, the application discloses several enumerated oligonucleotide sequences. In addition, the application describes, in text, many possible optional modifications to each enumerated oligonucleotide.
Each enumerated sequence must be included in the sequence listing as a separate sequence, each with its own SEQ ID number. According to ST.26, paragraph 17, any modifications included in the enumerated sequence must be included in the sequence listing.
Modifications that are described only in the text and NOT included in the enumerated sequence are considered variants, and are covered by ST.26, paragraph 95. Inclusion of these modifications in the sequence listing is optional, but strongly encouraged. In particular, any specific modifications that are exemplified in the description, important for understanding of the invention, or are claimed, should be included in the sequence listing.