Merck, 50983-250ML, Guanidine thiocyanate solution

Guanidine thiocyanate is a chaotropic agent that functions as a strong protein denaturant. It is widely used in RNA isolation protocols. Guanidine thiocyanate can irreversibly inactivate RNase and DNase and breaks cellular membranes. It dissolves proteins by disturbing their secondary structures. Guanidine thiocyanate also separates nucleoproteins from nucleic acids and aids the digestion of the proteins with proteases. It improves the activity of proteinase K thus making it the protease of choice.