Quantitation of DNA and RNA

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThere are several ways to quantitate solutions of nucleic acids. If the solution is pure, one can use a spectrophotometer to measure the amount of ultraviolet radiation absorbed by the bases. DNA can also be quantified by measuring the UV-induced emission of fluorescence from intercalated ethidium bromide. This method is useful if there is not enough DNA to quantify with a spectrophotometer, or if the DNA solution is contaminated. Strategies for accurately quantifying nucleic acids using these approaches are discussed here.