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| Product Name | HEPES for Molecular Biology |
| Manufacturer | Various manufacturers |
| Application | Buffer solution for molecular biology experiments |
| Purity | High purity |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Molecular Weight | 260.3 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 7365-45-9 |
| Synonyms | 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethanesulfonic acid |
| Packaging | Available in various sizes |
FAQ
What is HEPES and what is its role in molecular biology?
HEPES, or N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid, is a buffering agent commonly used in molecular biology experiments. It helps maintain a stable pH in cell culture media, buffering solutions, and other biological samples.
How does HEPES work as a buffering agent?
HEPES acts as a weak acid/weak base buffer system, meaning it can resist changes in pH by accepting or donating protons as needed. This ability to maintain a stable pH is crucial for many biological processes, as slight pH fluctuations can impact enzyme activity, cell viability, and other critical functions.
Why is HEPES preferred over other buffering agents in molecular biology applications?
HEPES is preferred over other buffering agents like Tris or phosphate buffers for several reasons. It has a higher buffering capacity in the physiological pH range, making it ideal for cell culture and other biological applications. Additionally, HEPES does not absorb UV light, which is important for spectrophotometric measurements commonly used in molecular biology experiments.
Can HEPES be used in a wide range of applications in molecular biology?
Yes, HEPES is a versatile buffering agent that can be used in a wide range of molecular biology applications. It is commonly used in cell culture media, protein purification, enzyme assays, and nucleic acid hybridization experiments. Its compatibility with a variety of biological samples and systems makes it a valuable tool for researchers in the field.
Are there any considerations to keep in mind when using HEPES in molecular biology experiments?
While HEPES is a widely used buffering agent in molecular biology, there are some considerations to keep in mind when using it in experiments. It is important to accurately measure and adjust the pH of HEPES solutions to ensure consistency and reproducibility in experimental results. Additionally, some cell lines or biological samples may be sensitive to HEPES, so it is recommended to optimize HEPES concentrations and conditions for each specific application.
HEPES, or N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid, is a buffering agent commonly used in molecular biology experiments. It helps maintain a stable pH in cell culture media, buffering solutions, and other biological samples.
How does HEPES work as a buffering agent?
HEPES acts as a weak acid/weak base buffer system, meaning it can resist changes in pH by accepting or donating protons as needed. This ability to maintain a stable pH is crucial for many biological processes, as slight pH fluctuations can impact enzyme activity, cell viability, and other critical functions.
Why is HEPES preferred over other buffering agents in molecular biology applications?
HEPES is preferred over other buffering agents like Tris or phosphate buffers for several reasons. It has a higher buffering capacity in the physiological pH range, making it ideal for cell culture and other biological applications. Additionally, HEPES does not absorb UV light, which is important for spectrophotometric measurements commonly used in molecular biology experiments.
Can HEPES be used in a wide range of applications in molecular biology?
Yes, HEPES is a versatile buffering agent that can be used in a wide range of molecular biology applications. It is commonly used in cell culture media, protein purification, enzyme assays, and nucleic acid hybridization experiments. Its compatibility with a variety of biological samples and systems makes it a valuable tool for researchers in the field.
Are there any considerations to keep in mind when using HEPES in molecular biology experiments?
While HEPES is a widely used buffering agent in molecular biology, there are some considerations to keep in mind when using it in experiments. It is important to accurately measure and adjust the pH of HEPES solutions to ensure consistency and reproducibility in experimental results. Additionally, some cell lines or biological samples may be sensitive to HEPES, so it is recommended to optimize HEPES concentrations and conditions for each specific application.
