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HPLC definitions

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  • HPLC
    A technique using high pressure and resolution to separate molecules in a column, often considered the gold standard for molecular separation.
  • Column Chromatography
    A method where molecules are separated based on their interactions with a stationary phase inside a column.
  • Stationary Phase
    The immobile material inside the column that interacts with sample molecules, affecting their movement and separation.
  • Mobile Phase
    The liquid that flows through the column, carrying sample molecules and influencing their elution based on polarity.
  • Normal Phase HPLC
    A type where the stationary phase is polar and the mobile phase is nonpolar, favoring separation of polar molecules.
  • Reverse Phase HPLC
    A type where the stationary phase is nonpolar and the mobile phase is polar, favoring separation of nonpolar molecules.
  • Chromatogram
    A data plot showing elution time versus light absorbance, used to visualize and quantify separated molecules.
  • Pump
    A device that delivers the mobile phase at high pressure, enabling rapid and efficient separation in HPLC.
  • Resolution
    The ability of the column to distinguish and separate closely related molecules, enhanced by more interaction sites.
  • Elution Time
    The duration required for a molecule to exit the column, indicating its interaction with the stationary phase.
  • Light Absorbance
    A measurement on the chromatogram's y-axis, reflecting the quantity of a separated molecule present.
  • Hydrophobic Effect
    A phenomenon where nonpolar molecules cluster together, influencing their retention in reverse phase HPLC.
  • Detector
    An instrument that senses separated molecules as they exit the column and sends data to a computer for chromatogram generation.
  • Sample Injector
    A component that introduces the mixed sample into the column for separation.
  • Amino Acid One Letter Code
    A shorthand notation used on chromatograms to identify both regular and modified amino acids detected by HPLC.