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#EDTA

3 public questions tagged with this topic.

DNA & RNA isolation

What is the role of EDTA in DNA isolation?

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent essential in DNA isolation buffers. It binds divalent cations like Mg2+ and Ca2+ with high affinity, forming stable coordination complexes. Mg2+ is a crucial cofactor for DNases that degrade DNA and for nucleases that destabilize membranes. By sequestering Mg2+, EDTA irreversibly inhibits endogenous nuclease activity, protects genomic DNA from enzymatic degradation, and helps destabilize cell walls by removing membrane-stabilizing cations. It does not denature proteins directly, bind nucleic acids specifically, or degrade RNA; its function is strictly chelation-mediated protection and enzymatic inhibition.

Ref: NCERT Biology Class XII Principles on Klenow fill-in labeling, Lehninger Chapter 9 DNA cloning techniques, and Molecular Cloning by Sambrook Chapter 10 documenting end-labeling of cohesive termini.

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Cell Communication and Cell Adhesion

Removal of Ca2+ by EDTA leads to loss of adhesion mediated by

Cadherins, is consistent with established principles of cell signaling, receptor pharmacology and cellular regulation. Experimental measurements of binding parameters, genetic loss-of-function studies and pharmacological interventions all converge on the same interpretation. Related options address neighboring concepts but do not satisfy the precise criterion stated in the question.

Ref: NCERT Biology Class 11–12 Alberts et al Molecular Biology of the Cell Lodish et al, Molecular Cell Biology Cooper & Hausman, The Cell Abbas et al., Cellular and Molecular Immunology (for immunology sections)

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MINERAL Transport+PYQS

EDTA and DTPA are examples of:

Chelators (C) is correct here. This is core MINERAL Transport: once you know the definition or pathway step, Chelators is the clear fit. The wrong ones are A) Enzymes; B) Phytohormones; D) Transport proteins. If the topic is about gradients or potentials, water/solutes move from higher to lower of the relevant quantity.

Ref: Best CSIR NET Plant Physiology books: Master Unit 6 with Taiz & Zeiger and Salisbury & Ross. Crack Part C experimental questions with top textbooks.

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