TAE is the acronym for Tris-acetate-EDTA buffer which is a commonly used buffer in molecular biology. The term "TAE" is used to describe a specific buffer but there are also several synonyms that are used interchangeably. Some of the synonyms include Tris-acetate buffer, Tris-Acetate EDTA buffer, TA buffer, and Tris-acetic acid. Each of these different terms refers to the same type of buffer which is mainly used for electrophoresis. The goal is to provide a buffer that will generate optimal separation of different molecules in a sample. So whether TAE or another synonym is used, it serves the same purpose in a lab setting.