Using Biuret Solution to Quantitatively Measure Proteins

In summary, biuret solution is an organic compound indicator that can be used to qualitatively detect the presence of proteins through a color change. It can also be used for quantitative measurements such as spectrophotometry, where the intensity of the color change is proportional to the amount of protein present. While it may not be as sensitive as other methods like the bradford reagent, it is still a viable option for measuring protein concentration.
  • #1
jen333
59
0
hi all!
I was just thinking about organic compound indicators, and biuret solution for proteins crossed my mind. I know that it can be used to qualitatively tell the presence of proteins (peptide linkages) with a colour change. But is there a way that biuret solution can be used to take quantitative measurements? ie) spectrophotometry, or is the reaction exothermic allowing a temperature measurement (not quite sure)
Hope to receive some thoughts! thx!
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Just did a quick search and while the papers I pulled up were somewhat old, mostly 70s/80s, Bieuret can be used with spectrophotometry. The intensity of the colour change is proportional to the amount of protein present.
 
  • #3
In my old lab, we used biuret reagent to measure protein concentration of a solution rather than the bradfort reagent. You measure the change in colour using a spectrophotometere. I think the wavelength is 450 nm.

However, the biuret reagent may not be as sensitive as the bradfort, but I'm 100% sure.
 

1. What is biuret solution?

Biuret solution is a chemical reagent commonly used in scientific experiments to detect the presence of proteins. It is composed of a mixture of copper sulfate and sodium potassium tartrate in an alkaline solution. When combined with proteins, biuret solution turns from blue to purple, allowing for quantitative measurement of protein concentrations.

2. How does biuret solution measure proteins?

Biuret solution contains copper ions that form complexes with the peptide bonds in proteins. This results in a color change from blue to purple, which can be measured using a spectrophotometer. The intensity of the color is directly proportional to the amount of protein present, allowing for quantitative measurement.

3. What types of proteins can be measured with biuret solution?

Biuret solution is able to detect and measure most types of proteins, including enzymes, structural proteins, and transport proteins. However, it may not be effective for measuring certain proteins, such as those with low molecular weights or those that do not contain peptide bonds.

4. What are the advantages of using biuret solution for protein measurement?

Biuret solution is a relatively simple and inexpensive method for quantitatively measuring proteins. It also has a wide range of detection and can be used to measure multiple samples at once. Additionally, it is not affected by the presence of other common substances in biological samples, such as nucleic acids or lipids.

5. Are there any limitations or potential errors when using biuret solution to measure proteins?

While biuret solution is a commonly used method for protein measurement, there are some limitations and potential sources of error. For example, it may not accurately measure proteins with non-peptide bonds, and the color intensity may be affected by the presence of certain substances or contaminants in the sample. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and controls when using biuret solution to ensure accurate results.

Similar threads

B Infrared Detectors & The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
    • Thermodynamics
5
Replies
152
Views
5K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
Methods used to measure the density of solid materials and liquids.
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
50K
Formation of Silver Nanoparticles from Green Tea Reducing Equivalents
    • Chemistry
Replies
2
Views
4K
Atmospheric humidity for water production.
    • Mechanics
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Some questions about Cosmic Inflation
    • Cosmology
Replies
4
Views
1K
Hess Law: Molar Enthelpy Change for Decomposition
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
48K
Solve Illumination Problem: Use Derivatives & Differentials
    • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
4K
Social and (Maybe) Technical Issues in Organic Chemistry Lab
    • Chemistry
Replies
1
Views
2K
Difficulties in Organic Chem. Lab
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top