Rapid isolation of RNA using proteinase K and sodium perchlorate

Abstract A simple, efficient procedure for the isolation of cellular nucleic acids is described. It combines the use of sodium dodecyl sulfate, proteinase K, sodium perchlorate, and isopropanol precipitation. The yields and purity of RNA extracted from a variety of sources are comparable or superior to those obtained by phenol extraction. High molecular weight RNA (ribosomal as well as nonribosomal) is recovered intact and in high yield. Fibroin messenger RNA (Mr 5.8 × 106) isolated by this procedure is biologically active.