Researcher: Why does isolated RNA degrade so easily and how can I prevent this?

TechTALKer: RNA is extremely susceptible to degradation by ribonucleases that are released during cell lysis and present in all cells. One major source of RNase contamination is excreted body fluids such as sputum and nasal discharge. When isolating and working with RNA gloves should always be worn and proper sterile technique followed. Water used for solutions and buffers should be treated with 0.5% DEPC for at least 3 hours and then autoclaved for 30 min.- 1 hour to remove the residual DEPC from solution. Glassware and other laboratory instruments must be baked overnight at 180-200°C. Autoclaving will NOT inactivate RNase. Instruments that cannot be baked, laboratory benches and electrophoresis apparatus can be decontaminated using RNase-OFF® decontamination solution.

Related Product Pages

• RNase-OFF®