On the Ammonium Acetate Method of RNA Precipitation
If you want to obtain pure RNA, the method of precipitation is very important. Among them, the method of using ammonium acetate for RNA precipitation is quite delicate.

Ammonium acetate has an extraordinary effect on RNA precipitation. It can effectively precipitate RNA from the solution. When RNA is stored in a complex mixed system, adding an appropriate amount of ammonium acetate can change the ionic strength and pH of the solution. In this way, the solubility of RNA decreases, and then it coagulates and settles from the solution.

This process requires control of many details. The concentration of ammonium acetate needs to be precisely adjusted. If it is too concentrated, it may cause impurities to co-precipitate, which will affect the purity of RNA; if it is too dilute, the precipitation effect will not be good, and the amount of RNA recovered will be small. Furthermore, the temperature and time of operation should not be underestimated. A suitable temperature and a suitable time can ensure that the RNA is fully precipitated and can maintain its biological activity.

When operating, the solution containing RNA should be placed in a clean container, slowly add the prepared ammonium acetate solution, and stir gently at the same time to make the two fully mixed. Then let stand at a suitable temperature until the RNA is completely precipitated. After precipitation, the precipitated RNA can be collected by centrifugation and other means, and then washed with appropriate reagents to remove residual impurities, so that relatively pure RNA can be obtained.

In short, RNA precipitation is carried out by ammonium acetate method. Although the steps are complicated, if you are skilled in the operation, you will be able to obtain ideal RNA samples, which will lay a good foundation for many subsequent biological experiments.