Innovative and improved investigations with the computerized HP 8452 UV/VIS spectrophotometer system (HP SPECTRO) in plant biology enable students to: 1) study and compare absorption spectra of different biological molecules; 2) evaluate rates of reactions through the automated features of the instrument; 3) store, retrieve, and extrapolate data acquired; 4) take advantage of time saved to pursue additional spectrophotometric investigations; 5) use a state-of-the-art instrument to obtain real data for understanding biological phenomena; and 6) obtain expertise in operation of a modern biological instrument. Classes using this instrumentation include: Plant Biology (required for all biology majors), Plant Physiology, Plant Anatomy, and Individual Study.
