A RNA Isolation Kit designed for total RNA purification from a variety of animal tissue and total RNA purification from paraffin-embedded tissue using an efficient RNA Kit miniprep system. Tissue samples can be efficiently homogenized in a microcentrifuge tube using the provided micropestle. Detergents and chaotropic salt are used to lyse cells and inactivate RNase and optional DNase treatments can be followed to remove unwanted DNA residue. RNA in the chaotropic salt is bound by the glass fiber matrix of the spin column. Once any contaminants have been removed, using the Wash Buffer (containing ethanol), the purified total RNA is eluted by RNase-free water. Phenol extraction or alcohol precipitation is not required.