TE buffer is preferred over distilled water for storing DNA and RNA for a couple of properties. Tris takes the role of maintaining the buffering capacity, while the EDTA binds (chelating agent)and make the metal ions unavailable for traces of enzymes (if any) which might degrade DNA/ RNA. As the name suggests, the TE buffer is composed of two reagents, i.e., Tris & EDTA. TE buffer is also known as T 10E 1 Buffer due to their ratio in the working concentration, which is 10mM and 1 mM respectively. TE buffer (a.k.a Tris EDTA buffer) is one of the extensively used buffers in preparation and storage of DNA and RNA protocols.
