The Difference Between EDTA and EGTA

EDTA and EGTA are molecules used to bind metal ions. These ions aid in the activity of enzymes and therefore removing these can result in a preservative effect, altering live cell behavior, and can be used in medicine.

EDTA

• EDTA is often used to stop blood clotting in syringes.

  EDTA is the shortened name for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a molecule which binds to metal ions. EDTA is used in a number of science techniques and is often used in buffers for electrophoresis. It is also used by clinicians for heavy metal poisoning and in the food industry as a preservative. It is also known in cell biology as Versene.

EGTA

• EGTA, or ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid, is a chelating agent like EDTA. However, it preferentially binds to calcium ions. It is often used in buffers to chelate calcium ions in live cell-based experiments.

Differences

• Scientists studying DNA or RNA often use EDTA as its prevents enzymes degrading the DNA or RNA. It prevents the enzymes from working by chelating the magnesium ions required for the enzyme to work efficiently. Scientists that study nerve, muscles or cell signalling often use EGTA as this does not affect enzyme activity but allows the requirement of calcium ions to be determined.