The MiniBeadbeater-16 disrupts microorganisms, plant and animal tissue, spores and soil samples. A removeable cassette holds up to sixteen 1.5 or 2 mL microvials, each load with a large number of tiny ceramic beads. The contents are violently shaken for 1-3 minutes to achieve 95 percent-plus cell disruption. Vials and beads are disposable, and thus can be used for PAGE, PCR and probe applications. Compatible with phenol, Gu-SCN or various commercial solutions, RNA/DNA is quickly recovered with high yields as a result of performing disruption and nucleic acid extraction simultaneously. Extraction in organic solvents or in air phase drying is also possible.