Scientists determine the water percentage of organisms through precise methods such as weighing specimens before and after drying. For example, jellyfish contain approximately 96% water. Analytical chemistry techniques are employed to measure concentrations of elements like sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) in tissues. Additionally, subcellular fractionation and membrane extraction techniques are utilized to analyze specific cellular components and lipid compositions.
PREREQUISITESBiologists, chemists, and researchers interested in the composition of living organisms, particularly those studying tissue analysis and water content in biological systems.
Ah very interesting :D The drying up makes a lot of sense, but I wonder how accurate that is, as other compounds may decompose to other gases that take away from the mass of the organism which aren't water.I also ran across this last night after I searched a little bit:Andy Resnick said:If you can believe it, simply by weighing the specimen before and after drying.
I have some old book with data of different human tissues (including bone), and the percentage is rather variable.
In terms of 'other materials', what can be done is to grind up tissues and perform analytical chemistry techniques to determine the concentration of Na, K, Ca, etc. etc. Subcellular fractionation techniques can be used to further distinguish between, for example, cytoplasm and nucleus. Membrane extraction can be used to determine the lipid constitution of membranes.
It's a ton of work- an unbelievable amount of grunt work.