Tris-EDTA buffer solution, 100X

Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer solution, at a 100X concentration, is a fundamental reagent used extensively in molecular biology research for various applications involving nucleic acids. TE buffer consists of two main components: Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Tris serves as a buffering agent, maintaining a stable pH environment for biochemical reactions. It is commonly used at a concentration of 1 M in TE buffer to provide a near-neutral pH, typically around 8.0, suitable for most nucleic acid-related experiments. EDTA functions as a chelating agent, binding divalent metal ions such as magnesium (Mg^2+), which are essential cofactors for many nucleases and other enzymes. By sequestering metal ions, EDTA helps prevent enzymatic degradation of nucleic acids, preserving their integrity during storage and manipulation. TE buffer is utilized in a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, storage, and manipulation. It is particularly favored for its ability to maintain the stability and integrity of nucleic acids, making it suitable for long-term storage of DNA and RNA samples. Furthermore, TE buffer is commonly used in nucleic acid quantification assays, such as spectrophotometric measurements and qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction), where accurate quantification of nucleic acids is essential for experimental reproducibility.