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| Product Name | ß-Mercaptoethanol |
| Product Type | Chemical reagent |
| Application | Commonly used in molecular biology for reducing disulfide bonds in proteins and RNA |
| CAS Number | 60-24-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C2H6OS |
| Molecular Weight | 78.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Solubility | Miscible in water |
| Storage Conditions | Store at room temperature away from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | Generally stable for several years when stored properly |
| Safety Information | Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; causes skin and eye irritation |
| Handling Precautions | Wear protective gloves and goggles when handling |
| Synonyms | 2-Mercaptoethanol, 2-ME, BME |
FAQ
What is ß-Mercaptoethanol and how is it used in molecular biology?
ß-Mercaptoethanol, also known as 2-Mercaptoethanol or ß-ME, is a reducing agent commonly used in molecular biology applications. It is often added to sample buffers or lysis solutions to break disulfide bonds and denature proteins. This helps in the disruption of protein structures and allows for better protein separation during electrophoresis.
How does ß-Mercaptoethanol help in DNA and RNA extraction?
ß-Mercaptoethanol is used in DNA and RNA extraction protocols to break down proteins that may interfere with the isolation of nucleic acids. By disrupting protein structures, ß-Mercaptoethanol helps in releasing DNA and RNA molecules from protein complexes, making them more accessible for extraction.
What role does ß-Mercaptoethanol play in protein electrophoresis?
In protein electrophoresis, ß-Mercaptoethanol is commonly used in sample preparation to denature proteins and break disulfide bonds. This helps in linearizing the proteins and reducing any secondary or tertiary structures, making them easier to separate based on their molecular weight during electrophoresis.
How is ß-Mercaptoethanol stored and handled to ensure its stability?
ß-Mercaptoethanol should be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat and light sources to prevent degradation. It is important to handle it with care and use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, as it is a corrosive chemical. Additionally, ß-Mercaptoethanol should be kept tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation and loss of efficacy.
What are some common precautions to take when working with ß-Mercaptoethanol in the laboratory?
When working with ß-Mercaptoethanol in the laboratory, it is important to use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling its fumes. It is also crucial to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, to prevent skin and eye contact. Additionally, ß-Mercaptoethanol should be handled with care to prevent spills and contamination of other reagents or solutions.
ß-Mercaptoethanol, also known as 2-Mercaptoethanol or ß-ME, is a reducing agent commonly used in molecular biology applications. It is often added to sample buffers or lysis solutions to break disulfide bonds and denature proteins. This helps in the disruption of protein structures and allows for better protein separation during electrophoresis.
How does ß-Mercaptoethanol help in DNA and RNA extraction?
ß-Mercaptoethanol is used in DNA and RNA extraction protocols to break down proteins that may interfere with the isolation of nucleic acids. By disrupting protein structures, ß-Mercaptoethanol helps in releasing DNA and RNA molecules from protein complexes, making them more accessible for extraction.
What role does ß-Mercaptoethanol play in protein electrophoresis?
In protein electrophoresis, ß-Mercaptoethanol is commonly used in sample preparation to denature proteins and break disulfide bonds. This helps in linearizing the proteins and reducing any secondary or tertiary structures, making them easier to separate based on their molecular weight during electrophoresis.
How is ß-Mercaptoethanol stored and handled to ensure its stability?
ß-Mercaptoethanol should be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat and light sources to prevent degradation. It is important to handle it with care and use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, as it is a corrosive chemical. Additionally, ß-Mercaptoethanol should be kept tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation and loss of efficacy.
What are some common precautions to take when working with ß-Mercaptoethanol in the laboratory?
When working with ß-Mercaptoethanol in the laboratory, it is important to use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling its fumes. It is also crucial to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, to prevent skin and eye contact. Additionally, ß-Mercaptoethanol should be handled with care to prevent spills and contamination of other reagents or solutions.
