Assignment #3

Total : 50 (the individual marks are enumerated in parentheses at the end of every question)
Answer in 1-2 lines
(1)Draw the schematic and explain the functionality of an Ammonia sensor. [3]
(2)Explain how you will sense the following metabolites. Penicilllin, Glucose, Urea,
Creatinine, L-Phenylalanine and Adenosine. Give a few lines indicating the reason why
we should sense these metabolites. [6]
(3)Explain the interfacial double layer phenomena with a schematic.[2]
(4)Derive a mathematical expression for the zeta potential in terms of the electrostatic
double layer, surface charge density and dielectric constant. [3]
(5)Derive a mathematical expression for the electro-osmotic mobility for a charges
surface. [3]
(6)An infinite plate is moved over a second plate on a layer of fluid as shown in figure 1.
For the small gap width, d, we assume a linear velocity profile in the fluid. The fluid
viscosity is 0.65X10-3 kg/ m.s and its specific gravity is 0.88. Calculate:
The Kinematic viscosity of the liquid, in m2/s.
The shear stress on the lower plate in Pa.
Indicate the direction of each shear stress indicated in part(b).
U=0.3 m/s

y
d= 0.3m
x

Figure 1

[5]

(7)The velocity distribution for a laminar flow between fixed parallel plates is given by
the following expression.
u/umax = 1- (2y/h)2
Where h is the distance between the plates and the origin is placed half way between
the plates. Consider the flow of water at 15deg. C with a maximum speed of 0.05 m/s
and h=5mm. Calculate the force on a 0.3mm2 section of the lower plate and give its
direction.
[6]
(8) Derive a mathematical expression for the streaming potential due to a pressure
head P in terms of the flow rate and streaming current. [3]
(9) Find two sensory applications of streaming potentials online. A brief description with
a schematic should be provided where streaming potential is used as a sensing
mechanism.
[3]

(10) Derive a mathematical expression for electrophoresis. [3]

(11) The electrokinetic pumping network shown below [see fig.2 ] is used for capillary
electrophoresis. Ports 1 and 2 are the inlet and outlet for a sample, respectively. Port 3
is the inlet of the carrier buffer. The longest channel is the separation line. Port 4 is the
waste port. All microchannels are etched in glass and have a diameter of 100 microns.
The channel lengths are depicted in figure 2. Measuring electrical impedance across
ports 1 and 2 results in 400Mohms. The potential at ports 1,2,3 and 4 are 1000V, 1000V,
1500V, and 0V respectively. Do the fluids from 1 &2,contaminate the separation
process? Assume the sample solution and buffer have identical electrokinetic
properties.

Figure 2
[5]
(12) Draw and explain the basic DNA structure. Mention about the difference in
hydrogen bonding between the 4 bases and why this is so important? [2]
(13) What is stringent and reduced stringency hybridization? [1]
(14) Describe with a schematic the polymerase chain reaction process. [1]
(15) What is Real Time PCR? Explain about the various phases of a full PCR cycle with
respect to one cycle and a no. of cycles.
[1]