A computer-assisted rapid-scanning spectrophotometer with applications to tissues in vitro and in vivo

A flexible approach is described to acquire, store, retrieve, and manipulate the large volume of data provided by a rapid-scanning spectrophotometer designed for biological preparations. Data can be displayed in spectral and kinetic formats. This spectrophotometer provides a means to simultaneously measure the concentrations of components of light scattering preparations and to record chemical reactions as they occur. Although application of this instrument for the study of reduction/oxidation shifts of mitochondrial respiratory chain components is emphasized, the design is suitable for many spectrophotometric applications.