How to Achieve a RNase-free Environment

Posted by Jennifer Watson
2
May 12, 2016
362 Views

An environment that is free from RNase is indispensable, while working with the samples of RNA. In the lab, acquiring a complete length, top quality RNA is quite a difficult thing to attain.

Typically, there are 2 major reasons for degrading the RNA all through RNA analysis:

Why get an RNase Free Environment?

Firstly, RNA is quite weaker than DNA, primarily due to its internal structure. RNA comprises of ribose units and they possess a strongly perceptive hydroxyl cluster on C2, making up for a major part in the RNA-mediated enzyme-related actions.

As a result, the RNA becomes more open to change than DNA, on chemical grounds. Furthermore, RNA is quite susceptible to heat dilapidation than DNA.

RNase (enzymes that degrade the RNA), are so omnipresent and resilient, that getting rid of them can be next to impossible. For instance, if you put the solution in an autoclave to eradicate the bacteria, the RNase will still be there. In addition, the smallest amounts of RNase can debase the RNA solution. Consequently, it is fundamental to keep away from accidentally releasing the RNases within the RNA sample all through or post the experiment.

Sources of RNAse

There are multiple sources of RNase and their contamination is quite easy. The 4 most common sources are stated below:

Skin

A number of studies and reports support the existence of RNases on the surfaces of human skin. Unfortunately, the contamination that occurs from the skin source is very common. Moreover, the chances of spread tend to increase when tubes, benches, and pipettes are touched with uncovered hands. It is important to always wear gloves while working with RNA samples.

Dust

Dust particles are everywhere. And many times, they bring along bacteria and mildew. Wherever the layer of dust settles, it releases RNases. Some of the common forms include uncovered bottled and the equipment present in the labs. Try to work under the hood or a designated covered area while working with RNA samples.

Reagents

There are a number of reagents available for experimentation, and unfortunately, not all of them are RNase-free. When reagents consist of RNase, know that the contamination is resulting from this resource. However, some RNase-free reagents can also get corrupted when adequate maintenance is absent.

How to Achieve an RNase Free Environment?

There are some aspects that require researchers’ consideration when working with RNA samples, assuring RNase free environment. Some of the most vital ones are:

Wearing Gloves

Make it a point to wear germ-free disposable gloves while working with reagents and RNA samples. When the gloves come into contact with touched apparatuses present in the lab, they contract RNase. Hence, changing the gloves frequently will also help.

Non-reusable Sterile Plasticware

Expendable plasticware significantly trim down the likelihood of contamination, and are known to be RNase free.  Nonetheless, if the contamination occurs, sterile plasticware can prevent it from spreading.

High-Quality RNAse Free Reagents

Be certain that the reagents you buy are RNase free. For peace of mind and satisfaction, you can always test them to assure they are RNase free.

DEPC treated Water

Another option is using DEPC-treated water as an alternative to normal PCR-grade water. That’s because the DEPC deactivates the RNases via histidine alteration of the bases.

Looking for DNAse and RNAse buffers and reagents? One of the most reliable places for you to check out is Boston BioProducts. They also provide custom formulations and reagents to meet your tailored needs.

Contact

Address: 159 Chestnut St, Ashland, MA 01746

Phone: (508) 231-4777, (888) 881-8691

Fax: (508) 231-4778

Email:  info@bostonbioproducts.com

Website: http://bostonbioproducts.com

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