A method for isolation of cDNA-quality mRNA from immature seeds of a gymnosperm rich in polyphenolics

Gymnosperms accumulate many secondary metabolites including bisflavonoids, mono- and diterpenes, etheric oils, resins, cyclitols, shikimic acid and lignins. After several failures with methods suitable for most plants, we were finally able to prepare quite pure poly(A) super(+) mRNA from whole seeds of Taxus baccata (English yew). This tissue is partially lignified and contains very high levels of phenolic compounds. The cDNA synthesis directed by this mRNA was very satisfactory. For the benefit of those working with similarly "difficult" plant tissues, we describe here the method of mRNA isolation which we improvised through modification of a previously published procedure.