The term "Biuret Reaction" refers to a chemical test used to identify the presence of proteins in a sample. The spelling of this word is based on the pronunciation of the two syllables that make up the term. The first syllable is pronounced /baɪ/, which is spelled with the letter combination "bi-" to indicate the sound it represents. The second syllable is pronounced /juːrɪt/, which includes the letters "uret" to represent the sound of the word's ending. Overall, the IPA transcription of this word is /ˈbaɪjʊrɪt riˈækʃən/.
The Biuret reaction is a chemical test used to determine the presence of proteins in a solution. It involves the reaction of proteins with copper ions in an alkaline medium, resulting in the formation of a purple-colored complex. This reaction is named after the organic compound biuret, which shares a similar structure with proteins.
In this reaction, a small amount of copper sulfate is added to the protein solution, followed by the addition of sodium hydroxide to create an alkaline environment. The presence of proteins causes the formation of a coordination complex between protein nitrogen atoms and copper ions. The complex, known as the biuret complex, exhibits an absorption peak in the visible light spectrum, resulting in a purple color.
The intensity of the purple color produced is directly proportional to the concentration of proteins present in the solution. By comparing the intensity of the color with that of known protein standards, the concentration of proteins in an unknown sample can be determined.
The Biuret reaction is widely used in biochemical laboratories for protein analysis. It is a simple and relatively quick method for protein detection, although it is not specific to proteins and can also detect other compounds with amino groups, such as peptides and certain nitrogenous organic compounds.
When biuret is heated with Fehling's solution a red-violet color is formed; this reaction is given by urea and various albumins, albumoses, peptones, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "Biuret Reaction" comes from the compound "biuret" and the term "reaction".
The term "biuret" originated from Friedrich Wöhler and Justus Liebig, who first discovered the compound in 1823. They named it "biuret" based on its resemblance to urea, a common organic compound found in urine. Biuret is derived from the Latin word "bi" meaning "two" and "urea" referring to the compound it resembles.
The word "reaction" in "Biuret Reaction" refers to a chemical reaction that specifically involves biuret. In this reaction, biuret reacts with copper(II) ions in an alkaline medium to form a violet-colored complex.