EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent that binds divalent metal ions such as calcium and magnesium. EDTA can be used to prevent degradation of DNA and RNA and to inactivate nucleases that require metal ions. EDTA can also be used to inactivate metal ion-requiring enzymes.

What is the purpose of EDTA?

A chemical that binds certain metal ions, such as calcium, magnesium, lead, and iron. It is used in medicine to prevent blood samples from clotting and to remove calcium and lead from the body.

Why is EDTA added to TAE buffer?

TAE buffer is a buffer solution containing a mixture of Tris base, acetic acid and EDTA. ... It is made up of Tris-acetate buffer, usually at pH 8.3, and EDTA, which sequesters divalent cations. TAE has a lower buffer capacity than TBE and can easily become exhausted, but linear, double stranded DNA runs faster in TAE.