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| Name | Guanidine Thiocyanate |
| Application | Molecular biology |
| Chemical Formula | CH5N3 S |
| Molecular Weight | 118.16 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 120-122°C |
| Solubility In Water | Soluble |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Storage Temperature | Room temperature |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| CAS Number | 593-84-0 |
FAQ
What is Guanidine Thiocyanate and how is it used in molecular biology?
Guanidine Thiocyanate is a chaotropic agent commonly used in molecular biology for various applications such as nucleic acid extraction, protein denaturation, and mRNA isolation. It disrupts hydrogen bonding interactions, which helps in the solubilization of biomolecules like nucleic acids. Guanidine Thiocyanate is particularly useful for its ability to inactivate RNase enzymes, making it a critical reagent in RNA isolation protocols.
What are the advantages of using Guanidine Thiocyanate in molecular biology experiments?
One of the key advantages of using Guanidine Thiocyanate is its ability to inactivate RNases, which can degrade RNA molecules and compromise experimental results. By using Guanidine Thiocyanate, researchers can ensure the integrity of their RNA samples for downstream applications like RT-PCR and sequencing. Additionally, Guanidine Thiocyanate's chaotropic properties help in the efficient extraction and purification of nucleic acids from complex biological samples.
How is Guanidine Thiocyanate typically used in RNA isolation protocols?
In RNA isolation protocols, Guanidine Thiocyanate is often used in combination with other reagents like phenol-chloroform for the extraction of total RNA from cells or tissues. Guanidine Thiocyanate disrupts the cellular and nuclear membranes, releasing RNA into solution. After extraction, the RNA is usually precipitated with isopropanol and washed with ethanol to remove contaminants. Guanidine Thiocyanate is crucial in maintaining the integrity of RNA by inactivating RNases present in the sample.
Can Guanidine Thiocyanate be used for DNA extraction as well?
Yes, Guanidine Thiocyanate can be used for DNA extraction along with RNA isolation. It is commonly used in combination with other chaotropic agents like guanidine hydrochloride for the extraction of total nucleic acids from various sources. Guanidine Thiocyanate helps in the denaturation of proteins and disruption of cellular structures, allowing for the release of DNA into the solution. The extracted DNA can then be purified and used for downstream applications like PCR and sequencing.
Are there any precautions to consider when working with Guanidine Thiocyanate in the laboratory?
Yes, there are several precautions to consider when working with Guanidine Thiocyanate in the laboratory. Since it is a chaotropic agent, Guanidine Thiocyanate can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles when handling Guanidine Thiocyanate. Additionally, Guanidine Thiocyanate should be used in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes. Proper disposal methods should also be followed to prevent environmental contamination.
Guanidine Thiocyanate is a chaotropic agent commonly used in molecular biology for various applications such as nucleic acid extraction, protein denaturation, and mRNA isolation. It disrupts hydrogen bonding interactions, which helps in the solubilization of biomolecules like nucleic acids. Guanidine Thiocyanate is particularly useful for its ability to inactivate RNase enzymes, making it a critical reagent in RNA isolation protocols.
What are the advantages of using Guanidine Thiocyanate in molecular biology experiments?
One of the key advantages of using Guanidine Thiocyanate is its ability to inactivate RNases, which can degrade RNA molecules and compromise experimental results. By using Guanidine Thiocyanate, researchers can ensure the integrity of their RNA samples for downstream applications like RT-PCR and sequencing. Additionally, Guanidine Thiocyanate's chaotropic properties help in the efficient extraction and purification of nucleic acids from complex biological samples.
How is Guanidine Thiocyanate typically used in RNA isolation protocols?
In RNA isolation protocols, Guanidine Thiocyanate is often used in combination with other reagents like phenol-chloroform for the extraction of total RNA from cells or tissues. Guanidine Thiocyanate disrupts the cellular and nuclear membranes, releasing RNA into solution. After extraction, the RNA is usually precipitated with isopropanol and washed with ethanol to remove contaminants. Guanidine Thiocyanate is crucial in maintaining the integrity of RNA by inactivating RNases present in the sample.
Can Guanidine Thiocyanate be used for DNA extraction as well?
Yes, Guanidine Thiocyanate can be used for DNA extraction along with RNA isolation. It is commonly used in combination with other chaotropic agents like guanidine hydrochloride for the extraction of total nucleic acids from various sources. Guanidine Thiocyanate helps in the denaturation of proteins and disruption of cellular structures, allowing for the release of DNA into the solution. The extracted DNA can then be purified and used for downstream applications like PCR and sequencing.
Are there any precautions to consider when working with Guanidine Thiocyanate in the laboratory?
Yes, there are several precautions to consider when working with Guanidine Thiocyanate in the laboratory. Since it is a chaotropic agent, Guanidine Thiocyanate can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles when handling Guanidine Thiocyanate. Additionally, Guanidine Thiocyanate should be used in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes. Proper disposal methods should also be followed to prevent environmental contamination.
