Isolation of total RNA from baker's yeast

A simple method of production of total RNA from baker's yeast was developed. Total RNA was isolated from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) biomass using lysis with sodium dodecyl sulfate at 100 degrees C for 40-60 min and subsequent precipitation of the target product with 3 M NaCl. The preparation obtained was characterized in detail: yield of total RNA from 1 kg of pressed yeast, 9.25 g; optical density at 260 nm of 1 mg of RNA dissolved in 1 ml of water, 20.2 U; content of the acid-soluble fraction, 2.02%; and protein content, 1.8%. Total tRNA was isolated from total RNA by fractional precipitation with ethanol followed by gel filtration.