ABSTRACT
Since RNAs, as compared to DNA, are very mobile molecules due to RNA degradation by RNases, much care should be taken to maintain the purity and integrity of the RNA. This is very critical for northern blotting. The most dif cult task is to inactivate RNase activity. Two common sources of RNase contamination are the user’s hands and bacteria and fungal molds present on airborne dust particles. To prevent this type of contamination
1. Gloves should be worn at all times and changed frequently. 2. Whenever possible, RNase-free disposable plasticware should be used. Non-disposable
glass and plasticware should be treated with 0.1% diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) in ddH2O or with 2% AbSolve as described in Chapter 2 and be autoclaved before use.
