A SIMPLE METHOD FOR RNA ISOLATION AND PUR IFICATION

RNAs from Escherichia coli cells, Syrian hamster kidney cells, foot-an d-mouth disease virus, and Newcastle disease virus were isolated using glass fiber filters GF/F or GF/C. The RNA was reversibly adsorbed on the filters in the presence of 2 M guanidine thiocyanate and 50% ethan ol (or isopropanol) and eluted with water. The fraction composition of the isolated RNA depended on the guanidine thiocyanate and alcohol co ncentrations in the adsorption and washing procedures. The RNA prepara tions obtained by this method can be used in reverse transcription and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction without additional pu rification.