EDTA [0.5M, pH 8.0]

0.5M EDTA [pH 8.0] is used to chelate (bind to) divalent metal ions, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, which is crucial for inactivating metal-dependent enzymes that degrade DNA and RNA. This chelating action protects nucleic acids from degradation, stabilizes DNA in buffers like TE buffer.

0.5M EDTA [pH 8.0] is also used in tissue culture to prevent cell clumping by sequestering calcium ions.