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Related Concept Videos

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview01:27

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is a technique used to analyze elements by measuring electromagnetic radiation (EMR) absorbed by atoms, which causes them to transition to a higher-energy orbit. The most crucial step in AAS is atomization, where the analyte is converted into gas-phase atoms, typically through a flame or furnace. Some of these atoms become thermally excited in the flame, while most remain in the ground state.
When irradiated by EMR of a particular wavelength, these...
Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence01:23

Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence

Atomic spectroscopy is a vital tool in elemental analysis, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It can be broadly divided into optical spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy methods. The optical spectroscopic methods are atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). The first step in all three methods is atomization, where the solid, liquid, or solution-phase samples are converted into gas-phase atoms and...
Spectrophotometry: Introduction01:16

Spectrophotometry: Introduction

Spectrophotometry is the quantitative measurement of the absorption, reflection, diffraction, or transmission of electromagnetic radiation through a material as a function of the intensity and wavelength of the radiation. A spectrophotometer is a device used to measure the change in the radiation intensity caused by its interaction with the material.
The essential components of a spectrophotometer include a source of electromagnetic radiation, a slot for placing a material to be analyzed, and a...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab01:21

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab

For AAS measurements, samples must be introduced as clear solutions, often requiring extensive preliminary treatment to dissolve materials like soils, animal tissues, and minerals. Common methods for sample preparation include treatment with hot mineral acids, wet ashing, combustion in closed containers, high-temperature ashing, or fusion with reagents.
 Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing nebulizer...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation01:22

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) comprises several components: a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. The radiation source can be a hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) or an electrodeless-discharge lamp (EDL), both of which provide a narrow emission line of the required wavelength. However, some instruments use continuum sources and high-resolution monochromators to achieve a narrow range of radiation.
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Interference01:25

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Interference

Interference leads to systematic error in atomic absorption (AA) measurements by enhancing or diminishing the analytical signal or the background. These interferences can be grouped into three main categories: spectral interference, chemical interference, and physical interference.
Spectral interference occurs when signals from other elements or molecules overlap with the analyte signal, falsely elevating or masking the analyte's absorbance. This interference can be corrected using Zeeman,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Characterization of Biological Absorption Spectra Spanning the Visible to the Short-Wave Infrared
07:38

Characterization of Biological Absorption Spectra Spanning the Visible to the Short-Wave Infrared

Published on: January 10, 2025

Absorption spectroscopy.

Sanjay M Nilapwar1, Maria Nardelli, Hans V Westerhoff

  • 1Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.

Methods in Enzymology
|September 28, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

UV-visible absorption spectroscopy quantifies cellular components for systems biology. This non-destructive method provides essential experimental data for metabolic pathway modeling and biomolecular interaction studies.

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

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Published on: January 10, 2025

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Systems Biology
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Absorption spectroscopy is a widely used, non-destructive technique.
  • It quantifies concentrations of absorbing species (chromophores) in solutions.
  • Biologists, biochemists, and systems biologists utilize this method.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe UV-visible absorption spectroscopy for systems biology.
  • To detail its use in generating experimental data for bottom-up modeling.
  • To highlight its application in quantifying biomolecules and studying interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing UV-visible absorption spectroscopy.
  • Measuring concentrations of chromophores in solutions.
  • Applying the technique to obtain kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax), metabolite concentrations, and fluxes.

Main Results:

  • Provides essential experimental data for systems biology.
  • Enables quantification of cellular components and functional molecules.
  • Facilitates the quantitative depiction of metabolic pathways.

Conclusions:

  • UV-visible absorption spectroscopy is crucial for quantitative systems biology.
  • The technique supports bottom-up modeling by providing key experimental parameters.
  • It is valuable for biomolecular quantification and interaction analysis.