when quantitating RNA, we are finding that our A260/A280 ratio is often around 2.2. I know that ideally it should be 2.0, but what does it mean when the ratio is higher? Does it indicate a contamination in the sample?
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#2
anonymous
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Posted 23 March 2001 - 10:00 PM
Yes, probably the RNA is contaminated by phenol.
Good luckMonica
Good luckMonica
#3
anonymous
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Posted 27 March 2001 - 10:00 PM
Michelle,
When purifying RNA produced from an in vitro transcription reaction I would routinely get 260/280 ratios in the 2.1-2.5. Range. The purification method was a little Qiagen Viral RNA spin column kit...no Phenol was used. Take home message is....highly pure RNA will give you a high ratio.
You may also want to take an A320 reading to get a feel for any background contamenation.
More importantly how does you RNA work in the downstream application?
Mark
