Affinity chromatography of viroid RNAs

The application of a structure- and GC-specific affinity adsorbent for the purification of viroid RNAs is described. Cross-linked bisacrylamide gels to which the intercalating dye phenyl neutral red is covalently attached [2] constitute a powerful tool for the rapid, quantitative, and selective isolation of viroid as well as viroid complementary RNAs from crude, plant polysaccharides containing nucleic acid fractions.