wash blots between antibody incubations with TB-'SALINE' pH 7.4 - why saline.. why this pH? (Apr/25/2009 )

hi.. most standard protocols wash western blots between antibody incubations with Tris Buffered 'SALINE' at pH 7.4
Why does this have salt.. and why this pH?
i havent been able to figure this..

thanks!

alicee! on Apr 25 2009, 03:54 PM said:

Antibodies are natural proteins that have evolved to function best under the conditions of pH and ionic strength found in vivo. Thus, it is usual to utilise these reagents under "physiological" conditions: ca 0.15 M salt and around pH 7.