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COMPARISON OF RNA/DNA RATIOS OBTAINED WITH TWO METHODS FOR NUCLEIC ACID QUANTIFICATION IN GOBIID LARVAE

E. Esteves, M.A. Chícharo, T. Pina, M.L. Coelho, J.P. Andrade-2000

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 245 (1): 43-55
Abstract:

In this paper, RNA and DNA contents and RNA/DNA ratios obtained with two fluorometric methods for the extraction and quantification of nucleic acids in individual estuarine gobiid larvae are compared. A total of 141 gobiid larvae, collected in the Mira and Guadiana estuaries (Portugal), were analysed. This study indicated that the nucleic acids content and RNA/DNA ratios of individual larvae varied with the procedure used. The two methods yielded similar log DNA values but different log RNA and log (RNA/DNA). The differences could be due to a number of factors related to specific steps of tested protocols. Comparison of nucleic acids contents and calibration of the two methods by regression analysis provided a reasonable basis for comparison although differences between estimates were evident.

(CCMar-Universidade do Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8000-810, Faro, Portugal)

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