Potassium acetate solution, 5M (CAS 127-08-2)

Potassium acetate solution, particularly at a high molarity of 5M, is extensively used in scientific research due to its buffering capabilities and its role as a source of potassium ions. This solution is crucial in molecular biology, particularly in the processing of DNA and RNA. It acts as a precipitating agent in the purification of nucleic acids, where it facilitates the removal of contaminants by altering the solubility of nucleic acids, allowing for their selective precipitation from the solution. This is particularly useful in plasmid DNA extraction and RNA isolation procedures, where high salt concentrations are required to achieve high yields of clean genetic material. Potassium acetate is also employed in protein science, where it is used in buffer solutions to stabilize proteins and prevent denaturation during purification and analysis. Moreover, in biochemical assays that monitor enzymatic activities, potassium acetate can be used to adjust the ionic strength of the reaction environment, influencing enzyme activity and stability. Its role extends to its use in various buffer systems for gel electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids, providing a conducive environment for the accurate separation of biomolecules. This broad range of applications highlights its essential role in facilitating precise and effective biochemical analysis and experimentation.