What is the purpose of each of the following components in the homogenizing medium?detergent, salt, EDTA?
Answer:
I will explain each of the compounds within the solution:
1.) detergent: Usually called an SDS. But this will help to take any proteins out of solution. So, think of water, soap, and oil. the oil is the protein, the water is the medium and the soap is the SDS. So, the SDS will enclose the protein into a capsule. Usually, you will use SDS in DNA purification. You do not want protiens getting into your DNA.
2.) salt: the salt will help the cells with any ions it needs.
3.) EDTA: the is chelate or take away any metal ions like magnesium or zinc. A lot of enzymes need metal cations to work. so by taking the ions out, the enzymes cannot function properly.
To me, it sounds like you are doing a DNA purification. If you were growing the onion cells on a plate, then you do not want SDS or EDTA in your solution. This will hurt the cells and prevent them from doing any metabolic or catabolic activities. With DNA purification, you do want the cells suspended in your solution ie: homogenizing. Then you will lyse the cells and use EDTA and SDS.
good luck.
Detergent is a surfactant which helps in detergency / cleaning.
Salt is mostly used as a filler.
EDTA is used as a sesquistering agent i.e. to chelate metallic ions from the washings.
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