The simultaneous extraction of high-molecular-weight DNA and of RNA from solid tumors

A novel method for the isolation of both macromolecular DNA and RNA from solid tissues based upon the disruption by vibration of deep-frozen material in a mechanical device termed Mikro-dismembrator, is described. This technique reveals a yield of, on the average, 1 to 3 mg of either DNA or RNA per gram of tissue. The quality of the purified nucleic acids permits the detailed analysis of integrated tumor virus DNA sequences and their mRNA transcripts. Furthermore, the efficient isolation of papilloma virions from keratinized wart tissue is facilitated by the application of the Mikro-dismembrator.