EDTA, 0.5 M, pH 8.0, is a sterile-filtered solution of 0.5 M EDTA in H2O treated with diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC). EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent, a general chemical, and a sequestrant. Suitable for use in molecular biology applications. EDTA is used extensively as chelator of divalent cations such as Ca²⁺. Useful in molecular biology applications to minimize metal ion contaminants. Also used to facilitate enzymatic reactions that could be inhibited by heavy metal traces. Inhibits enzymes, such as metalloproteases, that require divalent cations for activity.