Urea (CAS 57-13-6)

Urea, with the chemical formula CH4N2O, is an organic compound that plays a significant role in various scientific fields due to its versatile properties. In research, urea is primarily used as a powerful protein denaturant, leveraging its ability to disrupt the hydrogen bonds that stabilize the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins. This mechanism of action makes urea an indispensable tool in the study of protein structures and in facilitating protein solubilization and purification processes. For instance, it is commonly used in the preparation of samples for electrophoresis, where it helps in unfolding proteins to ensure their uniform migration through gels based on their size and charge. Additionally, urea′s high solubility and ability to form hydrogen bonds with water make it a useful reagent in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other molecular biology techniques, where it improves the efficiency of DNA denaturation and renaturation cycles by affecting the hydrogen bonding between nucleotide bases. Beyond its biochemical applications, urea is also utilized in various chemical syntheses, acting as a raw material in the production of plastics, adhesives, and other chemical products. Its role in research and industrial applications underscores its fundamental importance in both scientific advancement and industrial development.