An efficient method for extraction of RNA from rice leaves at different ages using benzyl chloride

With a conventional method of RNA extraction using an acid guanidinium thio cyanate-water-saturated phenol-chloroform mixture, extraction efficiency of extractable RNA to total RNA (extractable RNA+ residual RNA) in rice leave s at various ages was 54-69%. With a new method, an improvement of the abov e, using benzyl chloride instead of water-saturated phenol together with fu rther maceration with a small amount of quartz sand, the efficiency was inc reased to 81-95%. When RNA fractions obtained with the improved method were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis, intact bands of 25 S and 17 S rR NAs were detected. With a DNA probe for rice rbcS, only a single band was o bserved on the blotted membrane. These results indicate that the improved e xtraction method of RNA with benzyl chloride is useful for quantitative and qualitative analysis of RNA in plant tissues such as stiff leaves of rice.