Biochemistry Practical 1: Blood Analysis

The substance that is being measured or analyzed in a spectrophotometer.

A substance that is used as a reference point in a spectrophotometer to ensure that the instrument is calibrated correctly. It is usually a solution that does not absorb light at the wavelengths of interest.

The wavelength of light that is most strongly absorbed by a particular substance. It corresponds to the peak in its absorbance spectrum.

A graphical representation of how much light a substance absorbs at different wavelengths. It helps identify the substance's unique optical properties.

A mathematical equation used to convert the absorbance reading (ABS) from a spectrophotometer to the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

A process used in spectrophotometry to ensure that the instrument is calibrated correctly. Involves measuring the absorbance of a reference standard solution.

A molecule that absorbs light in the visible range, giving it color. Hemoglobin, for example, absorbs blue and green light, making it appear red.

The original concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) before any dilution was performed. This is usually expressed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

The dilution factor (DF) is a number that represents how much a solution has been diluted. It is the ratio of the final volume to the initial volume of the solution.

The amount of light that passes through a sample. It is inversely proportional to the absorbance. The higher the absorbance, the lower the transmittance.

The amount of light that is absorbed by a sample. It is directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte. The higher the concentration, the higher the absorbance.

The concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) in molarity (mol/L).

The amount of hemoglobin (Hb) in a sample that was measured using a spectrophotometer. Measured in Absorbance Units (ABS).

A solution that mimics blood plasma and is used for diluting samples and preparing reagents.

A solution containing a specific concentration of hemoglobin, typically used for calibrating spectrophotometers or for studying the behavior of hemoglobin.

A type of container used for holding small volumes of liquid samples for analysis in a spectrophotometer.

The part of a cuvette through which light passes during spectrophotometer readings. It's important to avoid touching this area to prevent contamination.

The process of analyzing a sample by measuring its light absorption at different wavelengths using a spectrophotometer.

Peak wavelengths on an absorption spectrum correspond to specific wavelengths where the molecule absorbs the most light, and are useful for identifying a specific molecule.

The maximum absorbance value on an absorption spectrum. This corresponds to the wavelength where the molecule absorbs light most strongly.

A graph showing the relationship between the concentration of a substance (e.g., hemoglobin) and its absorbance at a specific wavelength.

The measure of light absorbed by a solution at a specific wavelength. It's directly proportional to the concentration of the absorbing substance.

A substance that absorbs light at a specific wavelength, allowing you to measure its concentration using a spectrophotometer.

The proportionality constant between the absorbance and the concentration of the absorbing substance. It reflects how strongly a substance absorbs light at a specific wavelength.

The path length of light through the cuvette (the container holding the solution) in a spectrophotometer.

The relationship between absorbance (A), molar absorptivity (ε), concentration (c), and path length (l) in a spectrophotometer.

The process of using a calibration curve to determine the concentration of unknown samples by measuring their absorbance.

The concentration of a substance in a solution, usually expressed as milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

A comprehensive guide outlining strategies to reduce plastic waste, focusing on six key principles: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot, and Recover. Available online, it provides practical steps for managing plastics in both home and campus environments.

A program for students of the University of Manchester, encouraging them to take leadership roles in promoting environmental sustainability. It involves volunteering, leading initiatives, and contributing to the university's environmental efforts.

A program that recognizes and rewards students for their contributions to sustainability. It encourages involvement in initiatives, volunteering, and advocating for social change.

A volunteering opportunity at the University of Manchester focused on promoting the '6R' guide. It involves sharing the guide, finding ways to improve it, and spreading its principles.

A group of students at the University of Manchester working to reduce single-use plastic within the university's campus and surrounding area.

A regular publication by the Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health providing news, updates, information and articles on Environmental Sustainability. It encourages the university community to contribute with blog posts.

A set of educational courses offered by the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) at the University of Manchester, focused on understanding climate change, its impact on various aspects of life, and strategies for adaptation and conservation.

A project developed by the University of Manchester where students can contribute practical solutions to help advance the university's sustainability goals.

The concentration of a substance expressed in moles per liter (mol/L).

A unit of concentration equal to 10^-6 moles per liter (mol/L).

A unit of concentration equal to 10^-3 moles per liter (mol/L).

The concentration of a substance expressed in grams per liter (g/L).

The molar mass of a substance is the mass of one mole of that substance. It is expressed in grams per mole (g/mol).