CAS 1185-53-1 Tris HCL TRIS Hydrochloride

Tris HCl, also known as Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride, is a salt form of Tris base. It is commonly used as a buffering agent in various biological and biochemical applications, similar to Tris base. Tris HCl is an acidic salt and provides a stable pH when dissolved in water.

Here are some key features and applications of Tris HCl:

1. Buffering agent: Tris HCl is widely used as a buffering agent in laboratory experiments. It helps maintain a stable pH by accepting or donating protons, thereby preventing significant changes in pH that could affect biological reactions.

2. Protein and enzyme assays: Tris HCl is often used as a buffer in protein and enzyme assays, as it provides an optimal pH range for enzyme activity and stability. The specific pH can be adjusted by varying the concentration of Tris HCl in the buffer solution.

3. DNA and RNA applications: Tris HCl is commonly used as a component of buffer solutions in molecular biology techniques involving DNA and RNA. It helps maintain the appropriate pH for enzymatic reactions, such as DNA amplification (PCR) and nucleic acid manipulation.

4. Electrophoresis: Tris HCl is frequently employed as a buffer in electrophoretic techniques, such as agarose gel electrophoresis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). It provides the necessary pH conditions for the migration and separation of nucleic acids or proteins in the gel.

5. Cell culture: Tris HCl can be used in cell culture media to maintain a stable pH environment for the growth and viability of cells. It is often combined with other buffering agents to create an optimal cell culture medium.

Tris HCl is commercially available as a powder or crystalline form. It is typically dissolved in water to prepare the desired buffer solution at the desired pH. The pH of a Tris HCl solution can be adjusted by adding either Tris HCl or hydrochloric acid (HCl) to increase acidity or Tris base to increase alkalinity.

When working with Tris HCl, it is important to handle it with care, following appropriate safety guidelines for chemical handling.