Biuret

/ˈbaɪjʊreɪt/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound formed by heating urea, containing two urea molecules joined by a carbon atom, used in protein detection tests.

Etymology

From 'bi-' (two) + 'uret' (a variant of urea, from French 'urée'). The name reflects its structure of two urea units. Created in the 1800s by chemists studying urea decomposition.

Kelly Says

The biuret test is a classic biology lab procedure—when you mix it with proteins, it turns purple or violet! This simple color change helps scientists identify and measure proteins in blood, milk, and other samples.

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