Self-cleaving DNAzymes and selection process

A single-stranded DNA strand comprising a self-cleaving DNAzyme,

• Wherein the self-cleaving DNAzyme comprises a core sequence that comprises a polynucleotide sequence that is:
• I. at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:
• 34;
• and
• II. comprises a sequence:
• GTCTTATCGGTT set forth in SEQ ID NO:
• 48;
• and
• wherein the core sequence has a self-cleavage activity as determined by contacting the single-stranded DNA strand with a buffer that comprises Mg2+, Na+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, or a combination thereof at 25° C. in an in vitro assay.