TAE and TBE buffers are often used in procedures involving nucleic acids, the most common being electrophoresis. Tris-acid solutions are effective buffers for slightly basic conditions, which keep DNA deprotonated and soluble in water. EDTA is a chelator of divalent cations, particularly of magnesium (Mg2+). As these ions are necessary co-factors for many enzymes, including contaminant nucleases, the role of the EDTA is to protect the nucleic acids against enzymatic degradation.

 

50X TAE stock solution (1 Liter) contains:
242 g of Tris base
57.2 mL of glacial acetic acid
100 ml of 0.5 M EDTA (pH 8.0)
Ready to use. Before use, add 49X of ddH2O to dilute.