Nucleic Acid Extraction and Storage: Chelates Mg2+ and Ca2+ to inhibit DNases/RNases, protecting DNA/RNA (e.g., TE buffer) for downstream PCR/qPCR.

Enzymatic Reaction Quenching: Stops Mg2+-dependent enzymes by sequestering divalent cations in restriction digests, ligations, and polymerase reactions.

Protein Purification: Inhibits metalloproteases and prevents metal-catalyzed oxidation during purification and storage of proteins.

Cell Lysis and Spheroplasting: Destabilizes Gram-negative outer membranes (e.g., Escherichia coli/E. coli) to facilitate lysozyme-based lysis and spheroplast formation.

Cell Culture and Detachment: Used in PBS/trypsin-EDTA to chelate Ca2+/Mg2+, promoting cell detachment and reducing cell–cell adhesion.

Sample Preservation: Stabilizes plasmid and genomic DNA by chelating trace metals that catalyze degradation.

Buffer Conditioning: Removes trace divalent cations from reagents and buffers to improve reproducibility in biochemical assays.

Microbiology and Phage Work: Protects phage DNA and permeabilizes bacterial envelopes (e.g., E. coli) by chelating outer-membrane-stabilizing cations.