Fundamental questions about Na and K

[hanhan2008]

Fundamental questions about Na and K

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Post by hanhan2008 » Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:56 pm

As we all know, cells distinguish between sodium (Na) and potassium (K) and regulate them accordingly. The appropriate concentrations and subcellular localizations of them are critical to life.

My question: In many protein work, you need buffers, like PBS. But I noticed that sometimes a phosphate buffer containing Na only is used, soemtimes a buffer containing K is used, while yet another buffer may need a mixture of Na and K. What's the fuss?

OR put it another way: Among the many differences between Na and K, what differences must be taken into consideration when we do protein work, such as washing an ELISA plate or others in which cells are not involved anymore, only cell lysates.

Thanks, Hanhan