A concentrated solution, prepared at ten times its working strength, containing Tris base, sodium chloride, and often potassium chloride, dissolved in water and adjusted to a specific pH with hydrochloric acid. This solution is commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry for maintaining a stable pH environment for biological materials during various procedures. For example, a 10x stock solution can be diluted to a 1x concentration for use in washing cells or blotting membranes.
The utility of such a preparation lies in its convenience and ability to minimize changes in the ionic strength and pH of solutions during experimental manipulations. Historically, it has been crucial in developing and standardizing protocols in fields like DNA and protein research, offering a reliable and reproducible buffer system. By using a concentrated stock, researchers reduce the number of individual components needing measurement each time, thereby decreasing potential errors and saving preparation time.
