Method is used to assess (roughly) the integrity of total RNA samples by visualization of discreet 18S and 28S ribosomal RNAs. Total RNA is separated by electrophoresis through a 1% agarose gel containing 1.3 ìM ethidium bromide. Binding of the ethidium bromide to the RNA allows visualization of the separated RNA molecules when the gel is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.