Water, DEPC-Treated (CAS 7732-18-5)

DEPC-treated water, also known as diethylpyrocarbonate-treated water, is a specialized form of water commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry research. DEPC treatment of water involves the addition of diethylpyrocarbonate, a chemical compound that reacts with nucleophilic groups, particularly primary amines.One of the primary applications of DEPC-treated water is in RNA-related experiments. DEPC irreversibly modifies and inactivates RNases (ribonucleases), enzymes that degrade RNA molecules. By treating water with DEPC, researchers ensure that it is RNase-free, minimizing the risk of RNA degradation during experiments such as RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and in vitro transcription. Moreover, DEPC-treated water is utilized in the preparation of various molecular biology reagents and buffers, where RNA integrity is crucial. It is commonly used in techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Northern blotting, and RNA sequencing to preserve the integrity and quality of RNA samples.In addition to RNA-related research, DEPC-treated water is employed in protein-related experiments to minimize the risk of contamination and enzyme inactivation. Its ability to inhibit RNase activity makes it a valuable tool in maintaining RNA integrity and ensuring reliable experimental results in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories.