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Functional Groups

Functional Groups

Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...

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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Enrichment of Detergent-insoluble Protein Aggregates from Human Postmortem Brain

Enrichment of Detergent-insoluble Protein Aggregates from Human Postmortem Brain

Published on: October 24, 2017

Postmortem biochemistry.

Burkhard Madea¹, Frank Musshoff

¹Institute of Forensic Medicine, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, D-53111 Bonn, Germany. b.madea@uni-bonn.de

Forensic Science International

|June 20, 2006

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Postmortem biochemistry aids in determining cause of death. Vitreous humor analysis presents challenges, requiring specific calibration for accurate results mirroring blood composition.

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High-resolution Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Human Subcortex In Vivo and Postmortem

High-resolution Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Human Subcortex In Vivo and Postmortem

Published on: December 30, 2015

Area of Science:

Forensic biochemistry
Postmortem toxicology
Clinical chemistry

Background:

Postmortem biochemical analysis is crucial for determining cause of death.
Rapid postmortem degradation limits analysis to stable blood analytes.
Vitreous humor (VH) is an alternative fluid compartment for analysis when blood is unsuitable.

Purpose of the Study:

To address conceptual problems of using vitreous humor as a reflection of blood at the time of death.
To outline necessary steps for calculating discriminating values between normal and diseased states in postmortem samples.
To highlight the need for validated analytical methods for alternative biological fluids.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis of reference values in vitreous humor.
Description of steps for calculating discriminating values.
Review of current practices in chemical determinations on alternative fluids.

Main Results:

Using vitreous humor as a mirror of blood at the moment of death involves significant methodical challenges.
Clear definition of sample acquisition site is necessary for all chemical determinations.
Current chemical determinations on alternative fluids often use instruments calibrated for urine or serum, indicating a need for specialized methods.

Conclusions:

Vitreous humor analysis for postmortem diagnostics requires careful consideration of methodological limitations.
Establishing reliable reference values for vitreous humor necessitates addressing conceptual and practical challenges.
Future research should focus on developing and validating calibrated methods for analyzing alternative biological fluids in forensic investigations.