Trizol

Description:
The correct name of the method is Guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction. The use of TRIzol can result in DNA and RNA yields comparable to other extraction methods. An alternative method for RNA extraction is phenol extraction and TCA/acetone precipitation. Chloroform be exchanged with 1-bromo-3-chloropropane when using the new generation TRI Reagent.
TRIzol is light sensitive and is often stored in a dark-colored, glass container covered in foil. It must be kept below room temperature.
When used, it resembles cough syrup, bright pink. The smell of the phenol and guanidinium thiocyanate is extremely strong. TRIzol works by maintaining RNA integrity during tissue homogenization, while at the same time disrupting and breaking down cells and cell components.
It reacts strongly with chloroform and is thus used in this form of RNA extraction. Caution should be taken while using TRIzol (specifically phenol) and Chloroform.