EDTA

From Protists

Background

• EDTA is a widely-used abbreviation for the chemical compound ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (also known by other names).
• EDTA binds heavy metals (such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions).
• In biochemistry and molecular biology ion depletion is commonly used to inactivate metal-dependent enzymes which could damage DNA or proteins.
• Therefore, EDTA helps to maintain our DNA for long-term storage.

0.5M EDTA Recipe

1. Add 93g of EDTA into 300mL of dH2O (measure in a graduated cylinder, then transfer into a 1L media bottle...don't wash the graduated cylinder yet!).
2. Adjust pH to 8.0 with NaOH pellets at which point the EDTA will go into solution.
3. Pour the contents of the 1L media bottle back into the graduated cylinder used in step 1 and adjust volume to 500mL with dH2O.
4. Pour the 500mL of the 0.5M (500mM) EDTA back into the 1L media bottle and label (chemical name, concentration, your initials and the date).
5. Autoclave for 30min (since it is 500mL).
6. Let cool.
7. Store at room temperature on the shelves above the molecular work station.

Links

EDTA on Wikipedia