Back
Name | EGTA for Molecular Biology |
Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
Quantity | 100g |
Concentration | 0.5 M |
Purity | ≥99% |
Storage Condition | Store at room temperature |
Form | Powder |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
CAS Number | 67-42-5 |
Molecular Weight | 380.35 g/mol |
Solubility | Soluble in water |
Applications | Chelating agent for calcium ions, used in cell biology and molecular biology |
Mp | 240 °C (dec.)(lit.) |
Bp | 112-120 °C/1 mmHg (lit.) |
Density | 1.02 g/mL at 20 °C |
Flash Point | 105 °C |
HMIS Rating | Health: 2, Flammability: 1, Reactivity: 0 |
UN Number | UN 2811 |
FAQ
What is EGTA and how is it used in molecular biology?
EGTA, or ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, is a chelating agent commonly used in molecular biology. It is used to bind and sequester divalent cations such as calcium and magnesium, which are essential cofactors for many enzymes. By chelating these ions, EGTA is able to inhibit the activity of enzymes that require them, allowing for precise control of biochemical reactions.
What are the main applications of EGTA in molecular biology?
EGTA is primarily used in molecular biology for the manipulation of calcium-dependent processes. It is commonly used in cell culture experiments to chelate extracellular calcium and study the effects of its depletion on cell signaling pathways. EGTA can also be used to inhibit calcium-dependent enzymes, such as phospholipases and protein kinases, in biochemical assays.
How is EGTA typically used in cell culture experiments?
In cell culture experiments, EGTA is often added to the culture medium to chelate extracellular calcium and disrupt calcium-dependent signaling pathways. This can be useful for studying the role of calcium in processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. EGTA is typically added at a concentration of 1-10 mM, depending on the specific requirements of the experiment.
What are the advantages of using EGTA in molecular biology research?
One of the main advantages of using EGTA in molecular biology research is its specificity for divalent cations, particularly calcium. This allows researchers to selectively inhibit calcium-dependent processes without affecting other metal ions or biochemical reactions. Additionally, EGTA is relatively easy to use and has been well characterized in terms of its effects on enzymes and signaling pathways.
Are there any limitations or considerations when using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
While EGTA is a valuable tool in molecular biology research, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind when using this compound. For example, EGTA can be sensitive to pH changes and should be used in buffered solutions to maintain its efficacy. Additionally, EGTA can interfere with other metal ions and chelate them in addition to calcium, so careful experimental design is necessary to minimize off-target effects.
EGTA, or ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, is a chelating agent commonly used in molecular biology. It is used to bind and sequester divalent cations such as calcium and magnesium, which are essential cofactors for many enzymes. By chelating these ions, EGTA is able to inhibit the activity of enzymes that require them, allowing for precise control of biochemical reactions.
What are the main applications of EGTA in molecular biology?
EGTA is primarily used in molecular biology for the manipulation of calcium-dependent processes. It is commonly used in cell culture experiments to chelate extracellular calcium and study the effects of its depletion on cell signaling pathways. EGTA can also be used to inhibit calcium-dependent enzymes, such as phospholipases and protein kinases, in biochemical assays.
How is EGTA typically used in cell culture experiments?
In cell culture experiments, EGTA is often added to the culture medium to chelate extracellular calcium and disrupt calcium-dependent signaling pathways. This can be useful for studying the role of calcium in processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. EGTA is typically added at a concentration of 1-10 mM, depending on the specific requirements of the experiment.
What are the advantages of using EGTA in molecular biology research?
One of the main advantages of using EGTA in molecular biology research is its specificity for divalent cations, particularly calcium. This allows researchers to selectively inhibit calcium-dependent processes without affecting other metal ions or biochemical reactions. Additionally, EGTA is relatively easy to use and has been well characterized in terms of its effects on enzymes and signaling pathways.
Are there any limitations or considerations when using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
While EGTA is a valuable tool in molecular biology research, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind when using this compound. For example, EGTA can be sensitive to pH changes and should be used in buffered solutions to maintain its efficacy. Additionally, EGTA can interfere with other metal ions and chelate them in addition to calcium, so careful experimental design is necessary to minimize off-target effects.