Tris-acetate-EDTA buffer, concentrated to fifty times its working strength, is a commonly used solution in molecular biology. This concentrated form allows researchers to prepare working solutions quickly and efficiently by simple dilution. For instance, a researcher needing a 1x solution would dilute the 50x stock 50-fold with distilled water.
The concentrated buffer plays a crucial role in electrophoresis, particularly in DNA and RNA analysis. Its use ensures a stable pH during the electrophoresis process, preventing degradation of the nucleic acids. Historically, it has been a standard component in laboratories due to its effectiveness, ease of preparation, and cost-effectiveness, contributing significantly to advancements in genetic research and diagnostics.