DTT, commonly known by its abbreviation, has several other names that are used in scientific and chemical contexts. The most prominent alternative names for DTT include DL-Dithiothreitol, threo-1,4-Dimercapto-2,3-butanediol, and Cleland's reagent.
Understanding DTT and Its Synonyms
DTT is a powerful reducing agent, widely used in biochemistry and molecular biology to protect enzymes and other proteins from oxidation or to reduce disulfide bonds. Its various names reflect different aspects of its chemical structure and its historical discovery.
Key Synonyms of DTT
Here's a breakdown of the primary alternative names for DTT:
| Name | Description | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| DL-Dithiothreitol | This is the full chemical name, indicating its racemic (DL) nature and the presence of two thiol groups (dithio-) and a four-carbon alcohol (threitol). | Common in chemical literature and product specifications. |
| threo-1,4-Dimercapto-2,3-butanediol | This name describes the precise stereochemistry (threo-) and the positions of the two mercapto (thiol) groups on a butanediol backbone. |
Used for precise chemical nomenclature. |
| Cleland's reagent | Named after William Wallace Cleland, the biochemist who first reported its synthesis and use as a protecting reagent for sulfhydryl groups. | Frequently used in laboratory settings and research papers. |
Chemical Structure of DTT
The linear formula for DTT is HSCH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2SH. This formula clearly shows the two terminal sulfhydryl (-SH) groups, which are responsible for its reducing activity, and the two hydroxyl (-OH) groups on the central carbons.
Practical Applications and Importance
The versatility of DTT stems from its ability to reduce disulfide bonds, making it invaluable in various scientific applications:
- Protein Chemistry: DTT is often included in protein purification buffers to prevent aggregation by reducing intermolecular disulfide bonds and to maintain the activity of proteins that rely on free sulfhydryl groups.
- SDS-PAGE: It's a standard component in sample loading buffers for SDS-PAGE, where it breaks disulfide bonds within proteins, allowing them to fully denature and migrate based on their molecular weight.
- DNA/RNA Extraction: DTT can be used to prevent oxidation during nucleic acid extraction, particularly when dealing with tissues rich in proteases that might be activated by oxidative stress.
Understanding these different names allows researchers and scientists to effectively communicate and identify this essential laboratory chemical across various disciplines.
