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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 49))

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Abstract

In vitro translation remains a powerful technique for the identification, characterization, and quantification of mRNAs from a wide range of sources. The technique is also useful for assessing the quality of mRNA prior to cDNA synthesis. There are numerous in vitro translation systems, but among the most useful are derived from wheat germ (1, 2) and rabbit reticulocytes (3,4). The rabbit reticulocyte system is probably the more efficient of the two, particularly in translating larger mRNAs. However, the wheat germ system does offer a genuine “animal-friendly” alternative. Both systems are commercially available as well defined and highly active preparations, and are therefore the most convenient way of carrying out in vitro translations. However, for those with sufficient incentive, the wheat germ system is relatively easy to prepare and the reader is referred to Speirs (5).

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References

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© 1995 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Scott, R.J. (1995). In Vitro Translation. In: Jones, H. (eds) Plant Gene Transfer and Expression Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 49. Springer, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-321-X:207

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-321-X:207

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-321-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-536-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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