NaCl Solution, 1M (CAS 7647-14-5 (solid))

A 1M NaCl solution is a fundamental reagent used across various scientific fields, particularly in chemistry and biology. Sodium chloride, at this molarity, provides a controlled ionic strength which is essential for numerous biochemical and biophysical processes. In research, a 1M NaCl solution is commonly employed as an isotonic solution to maintain cellular integrity during experimental manipulations. The osmolarity of the solution helps preserve the osmotic balance, preventing cell lysis or shrinkage, which is crucial when cells or tissues must remain viable for experiments such as cell culture, extraction procedures, or physiological studies. Additionally, NaCl solutions are integral in molecular biology, especially in the processes of nucleic acid extraction and purification. High concentrations of NaCl can disrupt the hydrogen bonding between nucleic acids and water, promoting the precipitation of DNA and RNA from solution when used with alcohol. This property is utilized to isolate nucleic acids from cellular material efficiently. The utility of 1M NaCl solution extends to its role as a common reagent in buffer systems, where it is used to adjust the ionic strength of the solution, improving the stability and activity of enzymes in biochemical assays. Its simple ionic composition and non-reactive nature in many chemical reactions make it an indispensable tool in both routine laboratory procedures and complex experimental setups.