Application

Guanidine thiocyanate has been used as a component of the stabilization buffer for RNA lysis. It can be used for deactivation of endogenous RNases leading to denaturation of nucleoprotein complexes. It is also suitable for denaturation of macromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins and for RNA isolation.

Chaotropic agent and strong denaturant; solubilizes cells.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Guanidine thiocyanate (GTC) plays a role in protein denaturation. It is involved in separation of ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) from ribosomes and denatures ribonuclease (RNase). GTC has been studied in the unfolding and refolding of fluorescent proteins (FP). It can be used along with phenol and chloroform for extraction of RNA.

Principle

Guanidine thiocyanate interferes with the hydrogen bonds and intramolecular interactions of macromolecules. It solubilizes the proteins resulting in disintegration of cellular structures.