Three RNA bands after isolation - (Aug/20/2008 )

Hello,

recently I extracted some RNA from mycobacteria and expected to see two bands on the gel. However, I saw a third band and was wondering if anybody know what that could be. I know that it is RNA because all three bands disappear after treatment with RNAse.

Thanks
Benjamin

I think you should see 3 bands while checking total RNA extraction, as ribosomes are divided in their subunits:

FOR EUCARYOTES:
* rRNA 28S
* rRNA 18S
* rRNA 5S

FOR PROCARYOTES:
* rRNA 23S
* rRNA 16S
* rRNA 5S

The upper band must be 2 times brighter than the middle one, and the lowest one must be slightly visible.

That makes sense.

Thanks