Phenol [equilibrated with 10mM Tris HCl pH 8.0 with 1mM EDTA]

Phenol is used in molecular biology as a potent solvent and denaturing agent for isolating and extracting nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins from cells. Equilibrating it with a buffered solution like 10mM Tris HCl, pH 8.0, with 1mM EDTA stabilizes the pH and prevents degradation of nucleic acids. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the genetic material during purification procedures