Microbiology: A Human Perspective 7th Edition by Eugene Nester,Martha Nester,Denise Anderson, Evans Roberts

Exercise 2

Scientists working with DNA in vitro often store it in solutions that contain EDTA, a chelating agent that binds magnesium (Mg2+). This is done to prevent enzymes called DNases from degrading the DNA. Explain why EDTA would interfere with enzyme activity.