BIURET Meaning and
Definition
-
Biuret is a colorless, crystalline compound with the chemical formula C2H5N3O2. It is an organic compound classified as a derivative of urea. Biuret is produced through the thermal decomposition of urea. It is commonly found in biological systems, particularly in plants and animals, and is an essential component in the metabolism of amino acids.
In the field of chemistry, biuret is frequently employed as a reagent for detecting the presence of peptide bonds, which are the building blocks of proteins. This is due to its ability to form a characteristic violet complex with copper ions in an alkaline medium. When biuret reacts with copper sulfate in a basic solution, a color change occurs, allowing the identification and quantification of proteins or peptides. This reaction, known as the biuret test, has become an important tool in various biochemical and medical analyses.
The biuret test has been widely used in the food industry to determine the concentration of proteins in various food products, such as milk, meat, and grains. It is also employed in clinical laboratories to assess protein levels in bodily fluids, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain medical conditions.
In summary, biuret is an organic compound derived from urea that plays a crucial role in the detection and quantification of proteins and peptides. Its distinctive reaction with copper ions under alkaline conditions has made it a valuable tool in biochemical and medical analysis.
-
A derivative of urea, C2H5N3O2 + H2O.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BIURET
Etymology of BIURET
The word "biuret" originates from the chemical compound with the same name, which was first discovered and identified by the French chemist Jean-Baptiste Dumas in the early 19th century. Dumas named this compound "biuret" due to its resemblance to another chemical called "urea". The name "urea" itself comes from the Greek word "ouron", meaning "urine", as it was initially isolated from urine. Since biuret is derived from urea, Dumas chose the name "biuret" to indicate that it is a derivative or a compound formed from urea.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
