Why does the Biuret reagent contain potasium tartrate???

Tartrate is added to the reagent to extend its shelf life.Gornall et al (1949) adapted this trick from copper-containing reagents used for determinatuion of reducing sugars.

Incidentally, tartrate reduces the sensitivity of the Biuret assay by about 10%. This sensitivity is sacrificed in order to simplify the logistics of reagent preparation and storage.

---

RETURN to FAQ's.

Mike Dalbey

dalbey@biology.ucsc.edu

9/2/97