RNAsäilytystä

RNAsäilytystä refers to the process of storing RNA molecules. RNA is a nucleic acid essential for various biological functions, including gene expression and protein synthesis. Due to its inherent instability, proper storage is crucial to maintain RNA integrity for research and diagnostic purposes.

Factors influencing RNA degradation include temperature, pH, RNase enzymes, and time. RNases are ubiquitous enzymes that readily break down RNA. Therefore, preventing RNase contamination is paramount. This typically involves using sterile equipment and reagents that are certified RNase-free.

The optimal storage temperature for RNA depends on the duration of storage. For short-term storage, typically a few days to weeks, refrigeration at -20°C is often sufficient. For long-term storage, extending to months or years, ultra-low temperatures of -80°C or even liquid nitrogen (-196°C) are recommended. Freezing and thawing cycles should be minimized as they can also contribute to RNA degradation.

RNA is often stored in aqueous solutions containing RNase inhibitors, chelating agents like EDTA to sequester metal ions that RNases require, and buffers to maintain a stable pH, usually slightly alkaline. Common storage buffers include diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC)-treated water or Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer. The concentration of RNA and the choice of buffer components can also impact stability.

Properly stored RNA maintains its structural integrity and biological activity, ensuring reliable results in downstream applications such as reverse transcription, PCR, sequencing, and microarrays. Accurate and consistent RNAsäilytystä is therefore a fundamental practice in molecular biology laboratories.