Relation between the Length of Exposure to Alkali and Yield of Ribonucleic Acid from Plant-leaf Tissue

Abstract

SUITABLE methods for extracting and identifying RNA from leaf tissues of deciduous trees are modifications of the Schmidt–Thannhauser technique1. Two such methods have been described2,3, one involving the use of 0.33 N potassium hydroxide for 18 h at 37° C, with the other extending the time to 20 h 0.57 N potassium hydroxide. Identification of UNA is made from spectrophotometric absorption at 260 mµ. after ion exchange purification.