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🦠microbiology review

Colorimetric

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Colorimetric refers to a quantitative analytical technique that measures the intensity of color in a solution to determine the concentration of a specific substance. It is a widely used method in various fields, including biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and clinical diagnostics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Colorimetric techniques rely on the principle that the intensity of color in a solution is directly proportional to the concentration of the substance being measured.
  2. The color change is typically induced by a chemical reaction or the formation of a colored complex between the analyte and a reagent.
  3. Colorimetric assays are often used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to quantify the amount of a specific protein or antibody in a sample.
  4. The choice of wavelength for colorimetric measurements is crucial, as it should correspond to the maximum absorbance of the colored complex formed.
  5. Colorimetric methods are widely used in clinical diagnostics, such as the measurement of glucose, cholesterol, and various other biomolecules in blood and other bodily fluids.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the colorimetric principle is utilized in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
    • In ELISAs, a colorimetric reaction is used to quantify the amount of a specific protein or antibody in a sample. The ELISA plate is coated with a capture antibody that binds to the target analyte. After the sample is added, a detection antibody conjugated with an enzyme is introduced. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of a colorless substrate into a colored product, and the intensity of the color is directly proportional to the concentration of the target analyte in the sample. By measuring the absorbance of the colored solution, the concentration of the analyte can be determined.
  • Describe the role of the choice of wavelength in colorimetric measurements.
    • The choice of wavelength is crucial in colorimetric measurements because it should correspond to the maximum absorbance of the colored complex formed during the reaction. This ensures that the measured absorbance is directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte. If the wavelength is not optimized, the sensitivity and accuracy of the colorimetric assay may be compromised. The wavelength selection is typically based on the specific characteristics of the colored complex, such as its absorption spectrum and the wavelength at which it exhibits the highest absorbance.
  • Analyze the advantages and limitations of colorimetric techniques in comparison to other analytical methods.
    • Colorimetric techniques offer several advantages, including simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to perform rapid, high-throughput analyses. They are widely used in various fields due to their ease of use and the availability of well-established protocols. However, colorimetric methods also have limitations, such as potential interference from other substances in the sample that may also contribute to the color development, and the need for careful optimization of experimental conditions to ensure accurate and reliable results. Additionally, colorimetric techniques may have lower sensitivity and specificity compared to more advanced analytical methods, such as mass spectrometry or chromatography, which can provide more detailed information about the analyte.