Figure 3

Analysis of small RNAs isolated from cactus and Arabidopsis. a) Gel electrophoresis of LMW RNA from cactus floral buds obtained with different modifications of the LiCl method, b) Gel electrophoresis of LMW RNA from Arabidopsis leaves obtained with various modifications of the LiCl method. Modification steps are indicated above each gel (a and b), namely 1) LMW RNA enrichment from the supernatants obtained after precipitation of total RNA, 2) LiCl precipitating, followed by LMW RNA enrichment, 3) Addition of LiCl, directly followed by LMW RNA enrichment, and 4) Enrichment of LMW RNA directly after the chloroform extraction without addition of LiCl. 0.1 g of tissue was used for each sample extraction (in triplicate). 2 μg of each sample was loaded on a 12.5% polyacrylamide gel (gel stained with SYBR gold). M4, 10 bp DNA Ladder (Invitrogen); M5, microRNA Marker (NEB).