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| Name | Urea for molecular biology |
| Description | Urea is a versatile reagent commonly used in molecular biology applications including protein denaturation, nucleic acid denaturation, and purification of nucleic acids and proteins. |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Molecular Weight | 60.06 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 57-13-6 |
| Form | Powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Usage | Commonly used for denaturing proteins and as a chaotropic agent in molecular biology experiments |
| Applications | Protein denaturation, nucleic acid denaturation, PCR, electrophoresis |
| Packaging | Available in various sizes such as 100g, 500g, 1kg |
| Supplier | Multiple suppliers available in the market |
FAQ
What is urea and how is it used in molecular biology?
Urea is a chemical compound commonly used in molecular biology for various applications. It is a key component in denaturing proteins, making them more accessible for analysis and manipulation. Urea is often used in techniques such as protein extraction, solubilization, and purification.
How does urea denature proteins?
Urea denatures proteins by disrupting the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions that maintain the protein's tertiary structure. By breaking these interactions, urea unfolds the protein into a more linear form, making it easier to work with in various molecular biology experiments.
What concentrations of urea are typically used in molecular biology applications?
The concentration of urea used in molecular biology applications can vary depending on the specific experiment and the protein being studied. However, common concentrations range from 4 M to 8 M, with higher concentrations typically used for more challenging denaturation processes.
Can urea be used for other applications in molecular biology aside from protein denaturation?
Yes, urea has a variety of applications in molecular biology beyond protein denaturation. It can be used in nucleic acid purification, especially in protocols involving DNA extraction and sequencing. Urea is also used in some RNA isolation kits to help solubilize RNA and remove contaminants.
Are there any precautions to take when working with urea in the laboratory?
When working with urea in the laboratory, it is important to take proper safety precautions to protect yourself and others. Urea can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, so it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. Additionally, urea should be stored and handled in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to potentially harmful fumes.
Urea is a chemical compound commonly used in molecular biology for various applications. It is a key component in denaturing proteins, making them more accessible for analysis and manipulation. Urea is often used in techniques such as protein extraction, solubilization, and purification.
How does urea denature proteins?
Urea denatures proteins by disrupting the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions that maintain the protein's tertiary structure. By breaking these interactions, urea unfolds the protein into a more linear form, making it easier to work with in various molecular biology experiments.
What concentrations of urea are typically used in molecular biology applications?
The concentration of urea used in molecular biology applications can vary depending on the specific experiment and the protein being studied. However, common concentrations range from 4 M to 8 M, with higher concentrations typically used for more challenging denaturation processes.
Can urea be used for other applications in molecular biology aside from protein denaturation?
Yes, urea has a variety of applications in molecular biology beyond protein denaturation. It can be used in nucleic acid purification, especially in protocols involving DNA extraction and sequencing. Urea is also used in some RNA isolation kits to help solubilize RNA and remove contaminants.
Are there any precautions to take when working with urea in the laboratory?
When working with urea in the laboratory, it is important to take proper safety precautions to protect yourself and others. Urea can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, so it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. Additionally, urea should be stored and handled in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to potentially harmful fumes.
