What should my RNA look like on a denaturing gel?
This figure, produced by Dr. Laura Hoopes at Pomona College, shows the range of RNA quality. You can use this as a guide to evaluate the quality of your RNA preparation prior to cDNA production. You may want to consult the RNA isolation page as well.
The OD260/OD280 ratio can be > 1.8 indicating "good" RNA and
still be degraded or contaminated by DNA, as seen in the image above.
© Copyright 2005 Department of Biology, Davidson
College, Davidson, NC 28036
Send comments, questions, and suggestions to: macampbell@davidson.edu