Unlike DNA, RNA is usually single-stranded. Additionally, RNA contains ribose sugars rather than deoxyribose sugars, which makes RNA more unstable and more prone to degradation.

RNA is generally stable at –80° C for up to a year without degradation. Magnesium and other metals catalyze non-specific cleavages in RNA, and so should be chelated by the addition of EDTA if RNA is to be stored and retrieved intact.

➢ Extracted RNA stored at -20°C and -80°C was of good quality, and the RNA was stable for up to 10 freeze-thaw cycles.
➢ Extracted RNA can be stored at 4°C for 14 days without degradation. Evaporation may occur during this time.
➢ Extracted RNA can be stored safely at room temperature for 2 days without degradation.