SuperScript™ III First-Strand Synthesis System

SuperScript III Reverse Transcriptase (Cat. Nos. 18080093, 18080044, 18080085) contains the stand-alone enzyme and a vial each of 5X first-strand buffer and 100 mM DTT.

SuperScript III First Strand Synthesis System for RT-PCR is a complete kit that provides the SuperScript III Reverse Transcriptase and all the other components required for synthesis of first-strand cDNA from total or poly(A)- RNA. It includes:
- Superscript III Reverse Transcriptase
- Oligo (dT)20 Primer
- Random hexamers
- 10X RT buffer
- 25 mM MgCl2
- 0.1 M DTT
- 10 mM dNTP Mix
- RNAseOUT Recombinant Ribonuclease Inhibitor
- E. coli RNAse H
- DEPC-treated water
- Total HeLa RNA control
- Sense control primer
- Anti-sense control primer
Note: The kit does not include the PCR amplification enzyme.

You can store your cDNA at 2-6 degrees C for up to 24 hours. For long-term storage, store the cDNA at -15 to -25 degrees C and add EDTA to a final concentration of 1 mM to prevent degradation.

We recommend using ezDNase (Cat. No. 11766051). ezDNase Enzyme's high specificity for double-stranded DNA enables efficient and fast genomic DNA removal without reduction in the quality or quantity of RNA. ezDNase Enzyme is heat-labile and so can be easily deactivated by heat treatment at moderate temperature (55 degrees C). These features make ezDNase Enzyme an excellent choice for genomic DNA removal prior to reverse transcription reactions.

The amount of RNA template for a cDNA synthesis is highly flexible and depends upon the amount of sample available and an individual's need. In general, 1 µg total RNA is used in a typical 20-µL RT reaction.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within ourReverse Transcription and RACE Support Center.

RNase H treatment is not always necessary. Many PCR reactions work without it. However, for cDNA synthesized with RNase H-deficient reverse transcriptases (like SuperScript II, III, and IV), RNA/cDNA hybrids—especially GC-rich ones—may not denature well, reducing PCR sensitivity. RNase H treatment can help in such cases. Additionally, RNase H treatment is beneficial for cloning larger fragments.