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Buffer

Definition

noun, plural: buffers

(1) (chemistry) A buffer solution : a solution containing either a weak acid and a conjugate base or a weak base and a conjugate acid, used to stabilize the pH of a liquid upon dilution.

(2) (biochemistry) An ionic compound that when added to a solution neutralizes both acids and bases without significantly changing the original acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

(3) (ecology) A buffer species: a plant or animal species that becomes an alternate prey to a predator that typically feeds on another species.

(4) Anything that cushions, shields or protects against harm, damage, etc., e.g. a high reproductive rate is an efficient buffer against population crashes.


Supplement

In ecology, a buffer species is a plant or an animal that becomes an alternate prey to a predator. This happens when the predator's preferable, usual prey species is scarce or absent.

A buffer may also refer to a vegetated area near a stream that plays a conservatory role in the environment. Such buffer is particularly called a riparian buffer.

In biochemistry, a buffer, specifically a buffer solution, is essential for many biochemical processes. It serves to maintain the correct pH necessary as many enzymes work only under precise pH conditions.


Word origin: from obsolete buff, to make a sound like a soft body being hit, of imitative origin.

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separation problem with GelRed

... not even be a problem with gelred. So why not post stain? If this is really not an option, lowering voltage is usually a good start. And re-using buffer less.

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by canalon
Mon Aug 24, 2009 4:49 pm
 
Forum: Molecular Biology
Topic: separation problem with GelRed
Replies: 1
Views: 63

separation problem with GelRed

... bromide to Gelred in our lab. (We always prestain gels - poststaining is no option because its too inconvenient and timeconsuming - using 1xTAE buffer). Our DNA samples and the ladders aren't separated as sharply as it was when we used ethidium bromide. I already have some ideas what to try ...

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by apolll
Sun Aug 23, 2009 8:23 pm
 
Forum: Molecular Biology
Topic: separation problem with GelRed
Replies: 1
Views: 63

Cell counting question

Tris is just a buffer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tris it does not lyse cells. It's basically an environment the cells are happy in because it has the right pH (your TA probably used Trist pH=7.4). The anomaly you witnessed was ...

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by MrMistery
Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:20 pm
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Cell counting question
Replies: 7
Views: 125

Western Blot from an Agarose gel...?

Hello all, i made a 4% agarose gel for protein separation using 1x tgs buffer. I was wondering if it would be pointless (or even detrimental) to perform a Western blot on the same gel, just to visualize it better. help? Thanks

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by herm913
Thu Aug 13, 2009 12:56 pm
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Western Blot from an Agarose gel...?
Replies: 3
Views: 97

Calculation - Help PLEASE

Hi, I have a PCR buffer with MgCl2 at 15mM. I have an additional solution of MgCl2 at 25mM. Using this solution, I would like to increase the MgCl2 concentration of my PCR buffer to 50mM. How much of this solution do I need to add ...

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by DrCl
Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:58 pm
 
Forum: Molecular Biology
Topic: Calculation - Help PLEASE
Replies: 1
Views: 108
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