Purification of Total RNA from Mammalian Cells and Tissues

This protocol describes the use of a monophasic lysis reagent to isolate total RNA from mammalian cells (grown as either a monolayer or in suspension) or tissues. An alternative protocol for the isolation of RNA from a small quantity of cells (10²-10⁴) or tissue (1-10 mg) is also included. In the latter case, glycogen is added to the monophasic lysis reagent and is used as a carrier to increase the recovery of RNA.