Spectrophotometer

A spectrophotometer is an instrument that measures how much light a substance absorbs or transmits at selected wavelengths, making it valuable for identifying and quantifying biological molecules. It directs light through a sample, compares the incoming and transmitted intensity, and uses absorbance with the Beer–Lambert law to estimate concentration, provided the sample and measurement conditions are appropriate. In biology, spectrophotometers help quantify nucleic acids and proteins, monitor enzyme activity, assess cell growth through optical density, and analyze pigments or metabolic reactions. These measurements support research in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, diagnostics, and biotechnology.

Spectrophotometer - Related Videos

Education

JoVE Science Education - Basic Biology
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Introduction to the Spectrophotometer

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2023

The spectrophotometer is a routinely used instrument in scientific research. Spectrophotometry is the quantitative measurement of how much a chemical substance absorbs light by passing a beam of light through the sample using a spectrophotometer. In this video, basic concepts in spectrophotometry, including transmittance, absorbance and the Beer-Lambert Law are reviewed in addition to the components of the spectrophotometer. These concepts provide a foundation for how to determine the...

Research

JoVE Journal - Biology
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Quantification of dsDNA using the Hitachi F-7000 Fluorescence Spectrophotometer and PicoGreen Dye

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Cited by 6 •

2010

Demonstration of quantification of dsDNA using Molecular Probes PicoGreen dye and Hitachi F-7000 Fluorescence Spectrophotometer equipped with a microplate reader accessory.

Research

JoVE Journal - Biology
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Microvolume Protein Concentration Determination using the NanoDrop 2000c Spectrophotometer

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Cited by 129 •

2009

Microvolume samples are quantified by a spectrophotometer system that uses natural surface tension to retain samples without the use of cuvettes or capillaries. The dynamic range of protein concentrations and speed by which they can be measured are greatly increased with this method.

Research

JoVE Journal - Biology
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Concentration Determination of Nucleic Acids and Proteins Using the Micro-volume Bio-spec Nano Spectrophotometer

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Cited by 19 •

2011

This communication presents data on the accuracy and reproducibility of the BioSpec-nano UV-VIS spectrophotometer for dsDNA and protein quantitation. Even with ultra-small volumes (1 to 2 L), reproducibility is excellent, while the automated wiping function improves throughput and results in minimal carryover for more precise results.

Education

JoVE Lab Manual - Chemistry

Balmer Series - Student Protocol

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2020

Source: Smaa Koraym at Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA Spectral Emission Lines of Hydrogen, Helium, and NeonExpand In this experiment, you will use a spectrophotometer to measure the distinct wavelengths of light emitted in the UV and visible range by electron relaxation in hydrogen, helium, and neon. Before starting the lab, make a table in your lab notebook for the elements that you will analyze, the color of the light that you observe from the lamps, and the recorded wavelengths. Table...

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