title: Quantitation of nucleic acids with absorption spectroscopy.
abstract: This appendix describes a protocol for measuring absorption of nucleic acid samples at several different wavelengths to assess purity and concentration. A(260) measurements are quantitative for relatively pure nucleic acid preparations in microgram quantities. Absorbance readings cannot discriminate between DNA and RNA; however, the ratio of A at 260 and 280 nm can be used as an indicator of nucleic acid purity.
authors.affiliation: Motorola Corporation, Tempe, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gallagher
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D012313:RNA / Q000032:analysis; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D009696:Nucleic Acids; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; C427203:calf thymus DNA