The invention provides systems, methods and kits for the separation and/or
purification of at least two cellular components selected from genomic
DNA, RNA and proteins. The method includes first lysing a biological
sample to generate an aqueous solution containing the cellular
components; then applying the aqueous solution to a first mineral support
under conditions for genomic DNA to bind; and collecting the flowthrough
which contains unbound total RNA and proteins. The method further
includes applying the flowthrough to a second mineral support under
conditions for RNA to bind, and collecting the flowthrough which contains
proteins. The genomic DNA and total RNA bound can be eluted while the
protein in the flowthrough can be further purified. Further the total RNA
isolated could be used to isolate small RNA such as microRNA.