EGTA: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:25, 13 February 2025

Ethylene Glycol Tetraacetic Acid (EGTA)[edit]

Ethylene Glycol Tetraacetic Acid (EGTA) is a chelating agent that is widely used in biochemistry and molecular biology. It is a derivative of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and is particularly effective at binding calcium ions (Ca²⁺), making it useful in experiments where calcium ion concentration needs to be controlled.

Chemical Properties[edit]

EGTA is a polyamino carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C₁₄H₂₄N₂O₁₀. It has four carboxylate groups and two amine groups, which allow it to form stable complexes with metal ions. The presence of the ethylene glycol moiety in EGTA increases its selectivity for calcium ions over other divalent cations such as magnesium (Mg²⁺).

Applications in Biochemistry[edit]

EGTA is commonly used in biochemical and cell biology experiments to buffer calcium ion concentrations. It is often employed in studies of calcium-dependent processes, such as muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and enzyme activity. By binding free calcium ions, EGTA can prevent unwanted calcium-mediated reactions and help maintain a controlled experimental environment.

Comparison with EDTA[edit]

While both EGTA and EDTA are chelating agents, EGTA is more selective for calcium ions, whereas EDTA has a broader affinity for various metal ions, including magnesium. This selectivity makes EGTA particularly useful in experiments where it is important to distinguish between the effects of calcium and magnesium ions.

Biological Importance[edit]

Calcium ions play a crucial role in many biological processes, including signal transduction, muscle contraction, and cell division. The ability to precisely control calcium ion concentrations using EGTA is essential for studying these processes in detail. EGTA's role in buffering calcium ions makes it a valuable tool in neuroscience, cardiology, and pharmacology.

Safety and Handling[edit]

As with many chemical reagents, proper safety precautions should be taken when handling EGTA. It should be used in a well-ventilated area, and appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn. EGTA solutions should be prepared using deionized water to prevent contamination with metal ions.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Infobox organization
+== Ethylene Glycol Tetraacetic Acid (EGTA) ==
-| name = European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
-| abbreviation = ECDC
-| formation = 2005
-| headquarters = Solna, Sweden
-| region_served = European Union
-| leader_title = Director
-| leader_name = Andrea Ammon
-| website = [https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/ www.ecdc.europa.eu]
-}}
-The '''European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control''' ('''ECDC''') is an agency of the [[European Union]] (EU) aimed at strengthening Europe's defenses against infectious diseases. Established in 2005, the ECDC is headquartered in Solna, Sweden. The agency's primary mission is to identify, assess, and communicate current and emerging threats to human health posed by infectious diseases.
+[[File:EGTA.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of EGTA]]
-==History==
+'''Ethylene Glycol Tetraacetic Acid''' (EGTA) is a chelating agent that is widely used in biochemistry and molecular biology. It is a derivative of [[ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid]] (EDTA) and is particularly effective at binding calcium ions (Ca<sup>2+</sup>), making it useful in experiments where calcium ion concentration needs to be controlled.
-The ECDC was established in response to the [[SARS]] outbreak in 2003, which highlighted the need for a coordinated European response to infectious disease threats. The agency was officially founded on May 1, 2005, and has since played a crucial role in monitoring and responding to infectious disease outbreaks across Europe.
-==Functions==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-The ECDC's main functions include:
-* '''Surveillance''': Collecting and analyzing data on infectious diseases from EU member states to monitor trends and detect outbreaks.
+EGTA is a polyamino carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C<sub>14</sub>H<sub>24</sub>N<sub>2</sub>O<sub>10</sub>. It has four carboxylate groups and two amine groups, which allow it to form stable complexes with metal ions. The presence of the ethylene glycol moiety in EGTA increases its selectivity for calcium ions over other divalent cations such as magnesium (Mg<sup>2+</sup>).
-* '''Scientific Advice''': Providing independent scientific advice to EU member states and institutions on infectious disease prevention and control.
-* '''Preparedness and Response''': Supporting EU member states in preparing for and responding to infectious disease threats.
-* '''Training and Capacity Building''': Offering training programs to improve the skills and knowledge of public health professionals in Europe.
-* '''Communication''': Disseminating information to the public and stakeholders about infectious disease threats and prevention measures.
-==Structure==
+== Applications in Biochemistry ==
-The ECDC is governed by a Management Board, which includes representatives from each EU member state, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. The agency is led by a Director, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of the ECDC's work program.
-==Key Activities==
+EGTA is commonly used in [[biochemical]] and [[cell biology]] experiments to buffer calcium ion concentrations. It is often employed in studies of calcium-dependent processes, such as muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and enzyme activity. By binding free calcium ions, EGTA can prevent unwanted calcium-mediated reactions and help maintain a controlled experimental environment.
-The ECDC conducts a variety of activities to fulfill its mission, including:
-* '''Epidemiological Surveillance''': Operating the European Surveillance System (TESSy) to collect and analyze data on infectious diseases.
+== Comparison with EDTA ==
-* '''Risk Assessment''': Conducting rapid risk assessments during outbreaks to inform public health responses.
-* '''Scientific Publications''': Publishing reports, guidelines, and scientific articles on infectious disease topics.
-* '''Public Health Training''': Organizing the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) to train epidemiologists.
-==Impact==
+[[File:EDTA.svg|thumb|left|Chemical structure of EDTA]]
-The ECDC has been instrumental in coordinating the EU's response to several major public health threats, including the [[H1N1 influenza pandemic]] in 2009, the [[Ebola virus epidemic]] in West Africa, and the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The agency's work has improved the EU's capacity to detect and respond to infectious disease threats, thereby protecting public health across Europe.
-==Also see==
+While both EGTA and EDTA are chelating agents, EGTA is more selective for calcium ions, whereas EDTA has a broader affinity for various metal ions, including magnesium. This selectivity makes EGTA particularly useful in experiments where it is important to distinguish between the effects of calcium and magnesium ions.
-* [[World Health Organization]]
-* [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]]
-* [[Public Health England]]
-* [[European Union]]
-* [[Infectious disease]]
-{{Public health organizations}}
+== Biological Importance ==
-[[Category:European Union agencies]]
+Calcium ions play a crucial role in many biological processes, including signal transduction, muscle contraction, and cell division. The ability to precisely control calcium ion concentrations using EGTA is essential for studying these processes in detail. EGTA's role in buffering calcium ions makes it a valuable tool in [[neuroscience]], [[cardiology]], and [[pharmacology]].
-[[Category:Public health organizations]]
-[[Category:Organizations established in 2005]]
-[[Category:Infectious disease control]]
-== EGTA Gallery ==
+== Safety and Handling ==
-<gallery>
-File:EGTA.svg|Description of the EGTA.svg image.
+As with many chemical reagents, proper safety precautions should be taken when handling EGTA. It should be used in a well-ventilated area, and appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn. EGTA solutions should be prepared using deionized water to prevent contamination with metal ions.
-</gallery>
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Chelation therapy]]
+* [[Calcium signaling]]
+* [[Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid]]
+* [[Metal ion buffer]]
+[[Category:Biochemistry]]
+[[Category:Chemical compounds]]