Bioassay
Bioassay
Bioassay (pronounced: /ˈbaɪoʊˌæseɪ/) is a scientific method used in biology to estimate the concentration or potency of a substance by its effect on living cells or tissues.
Etymology
The term "Bioassay" is derived from the Greek words 'bios' meaning 'life' and 'assay' meaning 'to try' or 'to test'.
Definition
A Bioassay involves the use of live organisms to test for the presence of a compound or to determine the amount of the compound that is present in a sample. It is a type of experimental procedure that measures the effects of a substance on a living organism and is used in the testing of drugs, vitamins, and hormones.
Types of Bioassays
There are two main types of bioassays: qualitative and quantitative.
- Qualitative bioassays are procedures that provide a 'yes' or 'no' response, such as the presence or absence of a substance.
- Quantitative bioassays are procedures that provide a numerical measurement of the concentration or potency of a substance.
Related Terms
- Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
- Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.
- In vivo: Experiments done in the living organism.
- In vitro: Experiments done outside the living organism, usually in a test tube or petri dish.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bioassay
- Wikipedia's article - Bioassay
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