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Role of TRIS in DNA extraction - (Sep/14/2001 )

i want to know why exactly tris is used as a buffer when we can use any inorganic salt also to reach pH 8 so what is the function of tris?

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The pH can get there with anything, sweetie, but it will stay there only with Tris or Hepes

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Tris interacts with the lipopolysaccharides present on the outer membrane which helps to permeabilize the membrane. This effect is enhanced with the addition of EDTA. You can use other buffers, but this is why you find tris in most protocols for DNA as well as protein extraction.

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