How to Calculate the Concentration Ratio of Myoglobin in a Test Tube?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the concentration ratio of myoglobin in a test tube, specifically addressing the effective mass reduction due to buoyancy. The molar mass of myoglobin is approximately 17,000 g/mole, and the effective mass is reduced to 0.25m due to buoyant forces. The participant concluded that the concentration at the top of the test tube is 0, while the concentration at the bottom is M, resulting in a concentration ratio of 0/M. However, the participant expressed uncertainty regarding the reason for the provided molar mass and the validity of their conclusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy principles in fluid mechanics
  • Knowledge of protein chemistry, specifically myoglobin
  • Familiarity with molar mass calculations
  • Basic grasp of concentration ratios in solutions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of buoyancy and how they affect protein behavior in solutions
  • Explore the role of molar mass in calculating concentration in biochemical contexts
  • Learn about the density of myoglobin compared to water and its implications
  • Investigate methods for measuring concentration ratios in laboratory settings
USEFUL FOR

Biochemists, laboratory technicians, and students studying protein behavior in solutions will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on myoglobin and concentration calculations.

mimocs
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Myoglobin is a globular protein, with molar mass m ≈ 17,000g/mole. The buoyant correction typically reduces m to m' ≈ 0.25m. Calculate the concentration ratio of the protein at the top of a 4 cm test tube and that at the bottom.

Here, m' stands for effective mass.

I tried as below.

I used the equation of buyoancy so that the effective mass reduce into 0.25m.

m'g = (ρ-ρ')Vg = 0.25mg = 0.25ρVg
(ρ is the density of myoglobin, and ρ' is the density of water)
→ 0.75ρ = ρ'

So since ρ > ρ', I think the myoglobin should sink to the bottom of the test tube.

As a result, the concentration of myoglobin at the top is 0 and let the concentration of the bottom is M.

Then, concentration ratio of bottom and the top becomes 0 / M which gives me 0.

However, I don't think my answer is reasonable.
Why does the problem give me the molar mass?


I hope anyone could ever help me.
 
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I'm sorry you are not generating any responses at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us? Any new findings?
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
I'm sorry you are not generating any responses at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us? Any new findings?

sorry, I still couldn't find out anything more, wish I knew anything new.

deeply sorry.
 

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