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| Name | Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) |
| Molecular Formula | C19H42BrN |
| Molecular Weight | 364.37 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 57-09-0 |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage Condition | Store at room temperature |
| Purity | Minimum 99% |
| Application | Used as a cationic surfactant in molecular biology |
| Handling | Avoid inhalation and skin contact |
| Shipped In | Dry solid form |
| Packaging | Available in various sizes |
| Stability | Stable under recommended storage conditions |
| Specific Use | Used for DNA and RNA extraction |
| Shelf Life | Minimum one year when stored properly |
| Regulatory Compliance | Meets ACS specifications |
FAQ
What is Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) and what is its role in molecular biology?
CTAB is a quaternary ammonium compound that is commonly used in molecular biology for various purposes. It is often utilized to isolate and purify nucleic acids, particularly DNA, due to its ability to disrupt cell membranes and protein complexes. CTAB is also employed as a surfactant in the preparation of DNA solutions and as a stabilizing agent for nanoparticles.
How is CTAB used in nucleic acid extraction and purification?
CTAB is commonly used in nucleic acid extraction and purification processes due to its ability to disrupt cell membranes and protein complexes, allowing for the isolation of DNA from cellular material. By forming a complex with DNA, CTAB helps in solubilizing and separating the DNA from other cellular components. This facilitates the purification of DNA, making it suitable for downstream applications such as PCR, sequencing, and cloning.
What are the advantages of using CTAB in nucleic acid extraction compared to other methods?
One of the main advantages of using CTAB in nucleic acid extraction is its ability to efficiently isolate high-quality DNA from a wide range of samples, including plant tissues and microbial cells. CTAB-based methods are often preferred for their simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, CTAB can help remove contaminants such as proteins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, which can interfere with downstream molecular biology applications.
How does CTAB contribute to the stabilization of nanoparticles in molecular biology research?
In molecular biology research, nanoparticles are often used for drug delivery, imaging, and other applications. CTAB can act as a stabilizing agent for nanoparticles by forming a layer around their surface, preventing aggregation and enhancing their stability in solution. This property of CTAB is particularly useful in nanoparticle-based assays and experiments where maintaining the integrity of the nanoparticles is critical for their function.
What precautions should be taken when working with CTAB in the lab?
When working with CTAB in the lab, it is important to follow proper safety precautions to minimize the risk of exposure and ensure the integrity of the experiment. CTAB is a skin and eye irritant, so it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when handling the compound. Moreover, CTAB should be used in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of fumes. Additionally, CTAB should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances.
CTAB is a quaternary ammonium compound that is commonly used in molecular biology for various purposes. It is often utilized to isolate and purify nucleic acids, particularly DNA, due to its ability to disrupt cell membranes and protein complexes. CTAB is also employed as a surfactant in the preparation of DNA solutions and as a stabilizing agent for nanoparticles.
How is CTAB used in nucleic acid extraction and purification?
CTAB is commonly used in nucleic acid extraction and purification processes due to its ability to disrupt cell membranes and protein complexes, allowing for the isolation of DNA from cellular material. By forming a complex with DNA, CTAB helps in solubilizing and separating the DNA from other cellular components. This facilitates the purification of DNA, making it suitable for downstream applications such as PCR, sequencing, and cloning.
What are the advantages of using CTAB in nucleic acid extraction compared to other methods?
One of the main advantages of using CTAB in nucleic acid extraction is its ability to efficiently isolate high-quality DNA from a wide range of samples, including plant tissues and microbial cells. CTAB-based methods are often preferred for their simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, CTAB can help remove contaminants such as proteins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, which can interfere with downstream molecular biology applications.
How does CTAB contribute to the stabilization of nanoparticles in molecular biology research?
In molecular biology research, nanoparticles are often used for drug delivery, imaging, and other applications. CTAB can act as a stabilizing agent for nanoparticles by forming a layer around their surface, preventing aggregation and enhancing their stability in solution. This property of CTAB is particularly useful in nanoparticle-based assays and experiments where maintaining the integrity of the nanoparticles is critical for their function.
What precautions should be taken when working with CTAB in the lab?
When working with CTAB in the lab, it is important to follow proper safety precautions to minimize the risk of exposure and ensure the integrity of the experiment. CTAB is a skin and eye irritant, so it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when handling the compound. Moreover, CTAB should be used in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of fumes. Additionally, CTAB should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances.
