title: Collection and analysis of kinetic data from a stopped-flow spectrophotometer using a microcomputer.
abstract: A method of interfacing an inexpensive microcomputer to a stopped-flow kinetics spectrophotometer is described. It allows software-selectable sampling frequencies between 0.1 ms and 8 s and large numbers of data points to be collected. Machine language routines to use the interface are described and these allow the sampling frequency to be altered during data collection to ensure adequate numbers of points in critical regions of the kinetic profile. BASIC programs for collection and analysis of multicomponent kinetic data using this system are also described. Due to the large number of data points that can be collected and the ability to selectively sample transmittance values in regions where the signal is rapidly changing with time, relatively unsophisticated methods of data analysis can be used. These methods are suitable for use by microcomputers and mean that data analysis and acquisition can be performed on the same microcomputer in real time. To illustrate this, multicomponent analysis of kinetic transients is performed on simulated data and on the dissociation kinetics of the ethidium-DNA complex.
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D003201:Computers; D004247:DNA; D004996:Ethidium; D007700:Kinetics; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA; D004996:Ethidium