EDTA [Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid] solution is commonly used in various molecular biology and protein biochemistry applications that require the chelation of divalent metal cations, such as calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). It is not soluble in water unless pH is adjusted accordingly. EDTA is used extensively as an anticoagulant in blood samples as it chelates the calcium present, preventing coagulation and preserving blood cell morphology. It is also used in cell lysis buffers.