Why are my RNA bands not sharp?
(1) RNA was not completely denatured. Electrophorese RNA under denaturing conditions. Use urea, formamide or formaldehyde gels, or glyoxal-treated RNA.
(2) For glyoxal-treated RNA, a buffer gradient formed during electrophoresis. Recirculate buffer during electrophoresis to prevent gradient formation.
(2) For glyoxal-treated RNA, a buffer gradient formed during electrophoresis. Recirculate buffer during electrophoresis to prevent gradient formation.