Tris-Borate-EDTA Buffer, 10X Powder Pack

Tris-Borate-EDTA (TBE) buffer, available as a 10X powder pack, is a staple reagent in molecular biology research, particularly in applications involving nucleic acids. TBE buffer consists of three main components: Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris), boric acid (borate), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Tris serves as a buffering agent, maintaining a stable pH environment for biochemical reactions. Boric acid, on the other hand, contributes to the buffering capacity of TBE buffer and helps maintain the desired pH range, typically around 8.3, suitable for nucleic acid electrophoresis. EDTA functions as a chelating agent, sequestering divalent metal ions such as magnesium (Mg^2+), which can interfere with nucleic acid migration during electrophoresis. By binding metal ions, EDTA helps ensure the integrity of nucleic acids and promotes sharp and well-defined bands in electrophoretic separations. TBE buffer is widely used in agarose gel electrophoresis for the separation of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA fragments of varying sizes. It provides the necessary ionic strength and pH conditions for efficient migration of nucleic acids through the gel matrix. Additionally, TBE buffer is utilized in techniques such as nucleic acid purification, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and DNA sequencing, where precise control of pH and ion concentration is crucial for optimal performance.