DEPC

From Molecular Biology Wiki

DEPC

Diethylpyrocarbonate or DEPC is used for treating water to inactivate RNases to work with RNA and RNA protocols.

• To treat liquids (with the exception of Tris buffers), you can add 0.2% of DEPC (Diethylpyrocarbonate) to the solution.

• Then simply stir/shake vigorously for 1 hr, and then autoclave (this inactivates the DEPC).

• For Tris buffers, make buffers up in DEPC-treated water (and make sure you always start with very high quality water, i.e. deionized and distilled water.)

Alternatives to DEPC Buffers

I have had success using Millipore water and the addition of RNAse inhibitors in the absence of baking glassware and DEPC.

I have successfully used autoclaved HPLC-grade water for all molecular biology applications, without further treatments necessary.

Also see DEPC-treated water.