Rapid method for coextraction of DNA and RNA from natural environments foranalysis of ribosomal DNA- and rRNA-based microbial community composition

A rapid protocol for the extraction of total nucleic acids from environment al samples is described. The method facilitates concomitant assessment of m icrobial 16S rRNA diversity by PCR and reverse transcription-PCR amplificat ion from a single extraction, Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis micro bial community analysis differentiated the active component (rRNA derived) from the total bacterial diversity (ribosomal DNA derived) down the horizon s of an established grassland soil.