How Do You Spell EGTA?
Pronunciation: [ˈɛɡtə] (IPA) 
Correct spelling for the English word "EGTA" is [ˈɛɡtə], [ˈɛɡtə], [ˈɛ_ɡ_t_ə] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Pronunciation: [ˈɛɡtə] (IPA)
Correct spelling for the English word "EGTA" is [ˈɛɡtə], [ˈɛɡtə], [ˈɛ_ɡ_t_ə] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
EGTA is a chemical compound that serves as a chelating agent and functions as a buffer in biochemical and molecular biology applications. The acronym EGTA stands for ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. It is a synthetic compound with a molecular formula C14H24N2O10 and a molar mass of approximately 380.34 g/mol.
EGTA is primarily used to bind metal ions, particularly calcium (Ca2+), in aqueous solutions. It has a high affinity for calcium ions and can efficiently sequester them, preventing their participation in various biological processes. This property makes EGTA a crucial reagent in experimental studies that involve the manipulation of calcium concentrations within cells and tissues.
Aside from its chelating ability, EGTA also functions as a buffering agent. Buffers help maintain a constant pH level by counteracting changes in acidity or alkalinity that may occur during an experiment or reaction. In biological and biochemical experiments, EGTA's buffering capacity helps to stabilize the pH of solutions, ensuring that the desired conditions are maintained for proper functioning of enzymes, proteins, and other biomolecules.
Due to its versatility and extensive use in laboratory research, EGTA has become an essential component of many molecular biology and biochemistry protocols. Its ability to chelate calcium ions and buffer pH levels has made it an invaluable tool for investigating various physiological processes and molecular interactions within living systems.
