2-Mercaptoethanol-[d6]

2-Mercaptoethanol-[d6] is a stable isotope-labeled compound widely used in biochemical and molecular biology research. Here are some key applications of 2-Mercaptoethanol-[d6]:

Protein Structure Studies: 2-Mercaptoethanol-[d6] is used in research to reduce disulfide bonds in proteins, which is essential for protein denaturation and structural analysis. By breaking these bonds, researchers can study the primary structure of proteins more effectively. This application is crucial for understanding protein folding and function.

Stable Isotope Labeling: In metabolic and proteomic studies, 2-Mercaptoethanol-[d6] serves as a stable isotope label, which helps in tracing and quantifying metabolic pathways. Its deuterium labels make it suitable for NMR and mass spectrometry analyses, providing insights into complex biochemical processes. This allows researchers to differentiate between labeled and unlabeled metabolites or proteins.

Reducing Agent in Biochemical Reactions: 2-Mercaptoethanol-[d6] is used as a reducing agent in various biochemical reactions, such as during the preparation of samples for SDS-PAGE. It helps maintain enzymes in their active form by preventing oxidation during experimental procedures. This property is important for maintaining reproducibility and reliability in experimental assays.

RNA Preservation: In molecular biology, 2-Mercaptoethanol-[d6] is utilized to protect RNA samples from degradation during extraction protocols. Its reducing properties help in stabilizing RNA by inhibiting RNase activity that could otherwise degrade RNA molecules. This application is vital for ensuring the integrity of RNA in gene expression and genetic studies.