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| Name | EGTA for molecular biology |
| Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| Product Type | Calcium chelator |
| Molecular Weight | 380.35 g/mol |
| Form | Crystalline powder |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage Conditions | Store at -20°C |
| Applications | Used in molecular biology for calcium-dependent reactions |
| Shipping Conditions | Shipped at ambient temperature |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Packaging | Comes in a variety of sizes, including 5g, 25g, and 100g |
FAQ
What is EGTA and how is it used in molecular biology?
EGTA is a chelating agent that is commonly used to bind and sequester metal ions such as calcium in solution. In molecular biology, EGTA is often used to buffer solutions and control metal ion concentrations, particularly calcium, which can interfere with various enzymatic reactions.
How does EGTA work to bind metal ions like calcium?
EGTA works by forming stable complexes with metal ions such as calcium, effectively removing the metal ions from solution and preventing them from interfering with biological reactions. The EGTA molecule has multiple binding sites that can coordinate with metal ions, making it an effective chelating agent.
What are the benefits of using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
One of the main benefits of using EGTA in molecular biology experiments is its ability to control metal ion concentrations in solutions. By chelating metal ions like calcium, EGTA can help to stabilize enzymatic reactions, prevent precipitation of metal salts, and maintain optimal conditions for biochemical processes. Additionally, EGTA is relatively specific for certain metal ions, making it a valuable tool for researchers working with metal-dependent enzymes.
Can EGTA be used in cell culture experiments?
Yes, EGTA is commonly used in cell culture experiments to chelate calcium ions and prevent cell aggregation or clumping. By including EGTA in the cell culture media, researchers can maintain a more uniform cell suspension and prevent calcium-dependent cell-cell interactions. This can be particularly useful for studying cell adhesion, migration, or other processes that are influenced by calcium signaling.
Are there any limitations or considerations when using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
While EGTA is a valuable tool for controlling metal ion concentrations in solution, researchers should be aware of potential limitations when using this chelating agent. EGTA can chelate other divalent metal ions in addition to calcium, so its use may impact the availability of other metals in the solution. Additionally, the pH of the solution can affect the stability and binding affinity of EGTA, so researchers should optimize their experimental conditions accordingly. Overall, careful experimental design and validation are important when using EGTA in molecular biology experiments.
EGTA is a chelating agent that is commonly used to bind and sequester metal ions such as calcium in solution. In molecular biology, EGTA is often used to buffer solutions and control metal ion concentrations, particularly calcium, which can interfere with various enzymatic reactions.
How does EGTA work to bind metal ions like calcium?
EGTA works by forming stable complexes with metal ions such as calcium, effectively removing the metal ions from solution and preventing them from interfering with biological reactions. The EGTA molecule has multiple binding sites that can coordinate with metal ions, making it an effective chelating agent.
What are the benefits of using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
One of the main benefits of using EGTA in molecular biology experiments is its ability to control metal ion concentrations in solutions. By chelating metal ions like calcium, EGTA can help to stabilize enzymatic reactions, prevent precipitation of metal salts, and maintain optimal conditions for biochemical processes. Additionally, EGTA is relatively specific for certain metal ions, making it a valuable tool for researchers working with metal-dependent enzymes.
Can EGTA be used in cell culture experiments?
Yes, EGTA is commonly used in cell culture experiments to chelate calcium ions and prevent cell aggregation or clumping. By including EGTA in the cell culture media, researchers can maintain a more uniform cell suspension and prevent calcium-dependent cell-cell interactions. This can be particularly useful for studying cell adhesion, migration, or other processes that are influenced by calcium signaling.
Are there any limitations or considerations when using EGTA in molecular biology experiments?
While EGTA is a valuable tool for controlling metal ion concentrations in solution, researchers should be aware of potential limitations when using this chelating agent. EGTA can chelate other divalent metal ions in addition to calcium, so its use may impact the availability of other metals in the solution. Additionally, the pH of the solution can affect the stability and binding affinity of EGTA, so researchers should optimize their experimental conditions accordingly. Overall, careful experimental design and validation are important when using EGTA in molecular biology experiments.
