Preparation of Solutions

Abstract

The techniques in biochemistry generally involve the use of solutions. These solutions have different uses, e.g. extraction of biomolecules from tissues and their separation, quantitative estimation, purification and characterization of different compounds. Different kinds of solutions are integral part of molecular biology techniques. Therefore, it is important that one must be fully familiar with the proper preparation of solutions. A solution is homogeneous mixture of two or more non-reacting substances and has uniform properties such as chemical composition, density, refractive index, etc. However, its composition can be varied within certain fixed limits. A solution which is made up of two components is called binary solution. The dissolved substance in solution is called the solute and the medium in which it is dissolved is known as the solvent. The solute in a solution is always present in a smaller quantity than the solvent. The most commonly used solutions in biochemical work are of solid–liquid and liquid–liquid type.