6.2.1 Requirements relating to sequence length and enumeration of residues 

As defined in paragraph 7 of the WIPO Standard ST.26, a sequence must be included in the sequence listing if:

1. it is disclosed anywhere in the application by enumeration of its residues, i.e. by listing, in order, each residue of the sequence as defined in paragraph 3(c) of WIPO Standard ST.26 (e.g. aagtgttcctagtg), and  

2. it contains 10 or more specifically defined nucleotides or four or more specifically defined amino acids. 

According to ST.26, "specifically defined" residues are any nucleotide other than those represented by the symbol "n" and any amino acid other than those represented by the symbol "X", listed in Annex I (see paragraph 3(k) of WIPO Standard ST.26).

Degenerate symbols representing a subgroup of residues are considered as specifically defined. For example, the degenerate nucleotide symbol "s" (used to represent "c" or "g" as defined in Annex I, Table 1 of ST.26) is specifically defined.

Sequences containing fewer than ten specifically defined nucleotides, or fewer than four specifically defined amino acids must not be included in the sequence listing (WIPO Standard ST.26, paragraph 8).

If a sequence is only disclosed in prose, i.e. a text describing the sequence, but the sequence is not enumerated, then the sequence does not have to be included, but may be included if the applicant wishes so.

For instance, if the application refers to a partial sequence as follows: "nucleotides 90-179 of SEQ ID NO. 1", the partial sequence is described in prose only and, therefore, does not have to be entered as a separate SEQ ID in the sequence listing.

However, if the partial sequence was described by enumerating only the residues between positions 90 and 179, then paragraph 7 of WIPO Standard ST.26 would apply and the partial sequence would have to be included in the sequence listing.