Abstract

High-quality nucleic acids are the basic requirement for performing genomic research. A reliable and efficient method was developed for co-extracting high-quality DNA and RNA from rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) in this study. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) extraction buffer with high concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and b-mercaptoethanol was used in this study. The results show that 3.2% polyethylene glycol 8000 is the optimal concentration for successful separation of DNA and RNA. Spectrophotometric determination (A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ and A₂₆₀/A₂₃₀ ratios), agarose electrophoresis analysis and reverse transcription (RT-PCR) of isolated nucleic acids indicate that high-quality DNA and RNA were extracted by this method. The general applicability of this method was also evaluated, and the results show that it was suitable for a variety of plants.

Key words: Hevea brasiliensis, polyethylene glycol (PEG), nucleic acid, co-extraction, higher plants.