2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride

Tetrazolium Red

 

Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, TTC, or Tetrazolium chloride

 

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY GRADE

 

Off white to yellowish powder

 

Forms colorless to yellowish (practically clear) solution when dissolved 5% in ethanol or water.

 

Tetrazolium Red is used to visualise dehydrogenase enzyme activity. Initially the tetrazolium solution is colorless but changes to red when it comes into contact with hydrogen. Tetrazolium red is used in a biochemical viability test for seeds. The test relies on dehydrogenase enzymes to release hydrogen ions which subsequently reduce the colorless tetrazolium salt solution to a red compound called formazan. Living cells turn red while dead cells remain colorless.

 

Store at 5°C and protect from light.