Water, Electrophoresis Grade (CAS 7732-18-5)

Water, Electrophoresis Grade, is a highly purified form of water specifically processed to meet stringent requirements necessary for its use in electrophoresis applications. This grade of water is devoid of any contaminants that could interfere with the sensitivity and accuracy of electrophoretic analyses, including ions, organic compounds, and trace minerals typically found in standard laboratory water. The primary mechanism by which electrophoresis grade water supports electrophoresis involves providing a medium that does not contribute to background conductivity or unwanted chemical reactions. This is crucial because even minute impurities can significantly affect the migration patterns of molecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins during gel electrophoresis. The ultra-purity of this water ensures that the electrical field within the gel is uniform and that the pH and ionic strength of buffers are maintained, which are vital for consistent results. In research, electrophoresis grade water is used to prepare samples, gels, and buffers. Its use is critical in applications such as PCR, where the absence of nucleases, proteases, and other contaminants guarantees that the enzymatic reactions are not hindered. Overall, electrophoresis grade water is indispensable in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories for ensuring that the analytical techniques employed yield reliable and reproducible data.