Why NaCl or KCl in buffer - i want to know what is the reason we use NaCl for most cases (Oct/01/2008 )

Hi,

I am using one buffer for protein purification it contains KCl and not NaCl. I want to know what are the conditions or reasons to chose KCl and NaCl for making buffers

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more NaCl than KCl; physiological reasons as Na+ and K+ to maintain ionic strength in and outside of cells; these ions in physiological osmolarity contribute to correct protein function...

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Thank you - The Bearer

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also, kcl may exhibit a stronger effect than nacl.

for instance, kcl is used to regenerate ion exchange resins and gels, nacl doesn't work as well.

myosin is more soluble in kcl than nacl.

actin will polymerize better in the presence of kcl than nacl.

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Thanks mdfenko

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Furthermore, you can compare the price of KCl and NaCl. In fact, potasium salt is always more expensive than sodium salts!

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