 | Degradative activity of ribonucleases (RNases) must be suppressed to successfully perform molecular biology experiments involving nucleic acid, and especially those involving RNA. Two major processes used to prepare “RNase-free” water were compared based on the results of several experiments on RNA preparation, RNA digestion, an RNA stability test and dosage of RNases. Removal of RNases by ultrafiltration was compared to chemical inactivation of RNases by DEPC treatment. Ultrafiltration cartridges included in Millipore water purification systems were shown to be an effective alternative to DEPC treatment allowing delivery of highpurity RNase-free water on demand. |
