What are the differences between Tris-Borate-EDTA (TBE) and Tris-Acetate-EDTA (TAE) in gel electrophoresis?

Answer 1

buffering capacity of TBE is better, but TAE is easier to make and store. In most eletrophoresis (within 1 hour), no noticable difference.

Answer 2

TBE is advantageous for obtaining a higher resolution of smaller DNA fragments on agarose gels. It may also be used when you need to perform electrophoresis for a long time because TBE has a higher buffering capacity, so pH and temperature would be more stable. It would take longer if you used TBE compared to TAE.

Answer 3

Apart from the buffering capacity TBE gives a bit more dense gels with better resolution for small DNA fragments whereas TAE can give you better resolution for big DNA fragments