Question

How else can we measure biomass?

(a) Rheometry

(b) Nephelometer

(c) Spectrophotometer

(d) Mass spectrometry

The question was asked in an international level competition.

The doubt is from Cell Growth Kinetics in chapter Homogenous Reactions of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Right option is (c) Spectrophotometer

The explanation: A spectrophotometer optically determines the absorbance or transmission of characteristic wavelengths of radiant energy (light) by a chemical species in solution. Each molecule absorbs light at certain wavelengths in a unique spectral pattern because of the number and arrangement of its characteristic functional groups, such as double bonds between carbon atoms. According to the Beer-Lambert law, the amount of light absorbed at these wavelengths is directly proportional to the concentration of the chemical species.