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Name | EGTA for Molecular Biology |
Supplier | Sigma-Aldrich |
Catalog Number | E4378 |
Molecular Weight | 380.35 g/mol |
Purity | ≥98% |
Appearance | White powder |
Solubility | Soluble in water |
Storage Conditions | Store at room temperature |
Applications | Chelator for divalent cations |
Recommended Working Concentration | 1-10 mM |
CAS Number | 67-42-5 |
FAQ
What is EGTA and how is it used in molecular biology?
EGTA is a chelating agent commonly used in molecular biology to chelate divalent cations such as calcium and magnesium. This helps to stabilize enzymes and proteins that are sensitive to these cations, allowing for more controlled and reproducible experimental conditions.
What are the main applications of EGTA in molecular biology?
EGTA is commonly used in a variety of molecular biology techniques, including enzyme assays, protein purification, and cell culture. It is often utilized to prevent enzyme activation, inhibit metalloproteases, and maintain protein stability in various experimental settings.
How does EGTA compare to other chelating agents commonly used in molecular biology?
EGTA is particularly effective at chelating calcium ions compared to other chelating agents such as EDTA. This specificity for calcium ions makes EGTA a preferred choice in experiments where the presence of calcium needs to be precisely controlled.
What are some best practices for using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
When using EGTA in molecular biology experiments, it is important to carefully titrate the amount of EGTA added to the experimental system to ensure optimal chelation of divalent cations without affecting the overall experimental outcome. Additionally, EGTA should be stored properly to prevent contamination and degradation.
Are there any potential drawbacks or limitations to using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
While EGTA is a highly effective chelating agent in many molecular biology applications, it is important to note that EGTA can also chelate other divalent cations besides calcium. This can potentially interfere with experimental results if not taken into consideration and accurately controlled.
EGTA is a chelating agent commonly used in molecular biology to chelate divalent cations such as calcium and magnesium. This helps to stabilize enzymes and proteins that are sensitive to these cations, allowing for more controlled and reproducible experimental conditions.
What are the main applications of EGTA in molecular biology?
EGTA is commonly used in a variety of molecular biology techniques, including enzyme assays, protein purification, and cell culture. It is often utilized to prevent enzyme activation, inhibit metalloproteases, and maintain protein stability in various experimental settings.
How does EGTA compare to other chelating agents commonly used in molecular biology?
EGTA is particularly effective at chelating calcium ions compared to other chelating agents such as EDTA. This specificity for calcium ions makes EGTA a preferred choice in experiments where the presence of calcium needs to be precisely controlled.
What are some best practices for using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
When using EGTA in molecular biology experiments, it is important to carefully titrate the amount of EGTA added to the experimental system to ensure optimal chelation of divalent cations without affecting the overall experimental outcome. Additionally, EGTA should be stored properly to prevent contamination and degradation.
Are there any potential drawbacks or limitations to using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
While EGTA is a highly effective chelating agent in many molecular biology applications, it is important to note that EGTA can also chelate other divalent cations besides calcium. This can potentially interfere with experimental results if not taken into consideration and accurately controlled.