RNA secondary structures are highly dynamic and subject to prompt changes in response to the environment. Temperature in particular has a strong impact on RNA structural conformation, and temperature-sensitive RNA hairpin structures have been exploited by multiple organisms to modify the rate of translation in response to temperature changes. Observing RNA structural changes in real-time over a range of temperatures is therefore highly desirable. A variety of approaches exists that probe RNA secondary structures, but many of these either require large amount and/or extensive processing of the RNA or cannot be applied under physiological conditions, rendering the observation of structural dynamics over a range of temperatures difficult. Here, we describe the use of a dually fluorescently

Most bacteria in natural ecosystems form biofilms-a bacterial community, surrounded by a polymer matrix that consists mostly of exopolysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids. Extracellular RNA as a matrix component is involved in biofilm formation-the fact that was confirmed by direct detection of extracellular RNA in the biofilm matrix, and by an interruption of the biofilm's structure with RNases. Number of protocols describing isolation of RNA from biofilm matrix are limited and usually involve uncommon equipment and reagents. Here we describe simple method for extracellular RNA isolation from biofilm matrix using basic laboratory reagent and equipment. Key steps of the protocol include separation of matrix and bacterial cells with high ionic solution of NaCl, RNA precipitation with