Standard curves represent the relationship between two quantities. They are used to determine the value of an unknown quantity from one that is more easily measured. For example, this semester you will use a standard curve to evaluate the activity of the enzyme Beta galactosidase. You will also use a standard curve to determine the number of base pairs in a DNA fragment.

How are standard curves created?

• The first step is to begin with a set of standards of a known quantity
• Relate this known quantity to something we can measure
• Graph the relationship to create a standard curve
• Determine ONP concentration or the size of an unknown DNA fragment

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