Comparison of three total RNA extraction methods from cacao leaves

Abstract

The establishment of a method for extracting total RNA in plants that meets the required criteria of purity and yield is a critical step for subsequent molecular studies, especially in recalcitrant plants with naturally high amounts of polyphenols, polysaccharides and proteins. These have been referred to as the main contaminants in extraction methods. In this study the efficiency of three methods of RNA extraction from cacao leaves (Theobroma cacao L.) for later use in molecular analyzes were compared. Established protocols were followed and assessed the quantity and quality of RNA obtained. It was possible to reproduce the three methods, but differences were found regarding the development time and quality of RNA obtained. The best method for extraction of total RNA was TRI- Reagent, which allowed obtaining RNA with the characteristics of quality and concentration necessaries for future studies, in addition to ease of use and the number of samples that can be assayed. Keywords: method, laboratory, polyphenols.