TE buffer is a commonly used buffer solution in molecular biology, especially in procedures involving DNA, cDNA or RNA. "TE" is derived from its components: Tris, a common pH buffer, and EDTA, a molecule that chelates cations like Mg2+. The purpose of TE buffer is to solubilize DNA or RNA, while protecting it from degradation.
Tris buffer solutions are widely used in cell and molecular biology for processes such as protein and nucleic acid extraction and purification. Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer solution, pH 8.0 may also be used as a washing buffer.
Short-term storage (weeks) 4 degree centigrade in Tris-EDTA Medium-term storage (months) -80 degree centigrade in Tris-EDTA Long-term storage (years) -80 degree centigrade as a precipitate in ethanol Long-terms storage (decades) -164 degree centigrade or dried.