The Quick-RNA Fungal/Bacterial system provides for rapid isolation of RNA from pelleted tough-to-lyse bacterial (e.g., Gram-positive), yeast or fungal cells. It employs ultra-high density ZR BashingBeads for sample homogenization and a robust buffer system delivering total RNA (including small RNAs) as well as DNA removal from a variety of samples. The Zymo-Spin IIIC Column allows for high-capacity DNA elimination and the subsequent Zymo-Spin Column efficiently binds total RNA. The DNase/RNase-Free Water eluted RNA is suitable for subsequent procedures including RT-PCR.