Tris-Acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffer is used in DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, both in the agarose gel itself and the running buffer.  Linear, double-stranded DNA separates faster in a TAE buffer-based system compared to Tris-Borate-EDTAA (TBE) buffer, but the latter has a higher buffering capacity and is thus more resistant to changes in pH.  Use of TAE vs. TBE buffer depends on downstream applications. TAE is recommended for preparative electrophoresis in which the nucleic acid bands being separated are to be used in cloning, and other work requiring enzymatic applications. Tris-Acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffer is used in DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, both in the agarose gel itself and the running buffer.  Linear, double-stranded DNA separates faster in a TAE buffer-based system compared to Tris-Borate-EDTAA (TBE) buffer, but the latter has a higher buffering capacity and is thus more resistant to changes in pH.  Use of TAE vs. TBE buffer depends on downstream applications. TAE is recommended for preparative electrophoresis in which the nucleic acid bands being separated are to be used in cloning, and other work requiring enzymatic applications.