Can total RNA be used as template or is poly(A)+ RNA required?
The RNA template may be a total RNA preparation, an mRNA [poly(A)+] population or a synthesized RNA transcript. Successful reverse transcription is dependent on the integrity and purity of the RNA used as a template. Regardless of the type of RNA used, it is critical that an RNase-free environment be maintained during RNA isolation. Additionally, care should be taken to minimize the amount of DNA present in the RNA preparation.
