Microspectrophotometry with the Burch Reflecting Microscope

Abstract

A technique of UV micro -spectrophotmetry using a Burch reflecting microscope is described. Consideration is given to the factors, more particularly optical, which limit the accuracy of such techniques. The [alpha] [beta] and gamma absorption maxima of oxyhemoglobin in solutions and in vivo in mature red cells of various species were measured and found to be identical in wavelengths, although their extinctions differ. This latter effect is thought to be optical in origin. The value of staining as an estimate of the hemoglobin content of cells has been measured. Chlorophyll has been proved to be present in the guard cells of Rumex patientia and Chrysanthemum maximum.