Comparison of RNA/DNA ratios obtained with two methods for nucleic acid quantification in gobiid larvae

In this paper, RNA and DNA contents and RNA/DNA ratios obtained with two fl uorometric methods for the extraction and quantification of nucleic acids i n individual estuarine gobiid larvae are compared. A total of 141 gobiid la rvae, collected in the Mim and Guadiana estuaries (Portugal), were analysed . This study indicated that the nucleic acids content and RNA/DNA ratios of individual larvae varied with the procedure used. The two methods yielded similar log DNA values but different log RNA and log (RNA/DNA). The differe nces could be due to a number of factors related to specific steps of teste d protocols. Comparison of nucleic acids contents and calibration of the tw o methods by regression analysis provided a reasonable basis for comparison although differences between estimates were evident. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.