Ch 1: Introduction to Sensors, Transducers, and Biosensors Flashcards
Q: What is a sensor?
A: A device that detects physical or chemical changes and converts them into signals.
Q: What is a biosensor?
A: A device that integrates a biological element with a transducer to detect biological analytes.
Q: Define a transducer.
A: A device that converts a physical variable sensation into an accesible signal (voltage), in other words it generetes an analog signal.
Q: What are the main components of a biosensor?
A: Bioreceptor, transducer, and signal processor.
Q: Name three types of bioreceptors.
A: antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, tissues,
Q: What is the role of a bioreceptor?
A: To interact with the target analyte specifically.
Q: What is the primary function of a transducer in a biosensor?
A: To convert the biological interaction into a measurable signal.
Q: What are the main types of transducers in biosensors?
A: Optical, electrochemical, thermal, and piezoelectric transducers.
Q: Define sensitivity in sensors.
A: The ability of a sensor to detect small changes in the analyte concentration.
Q: What is selectivity in biosensors?
A: The ability to distinguish the target analyte from other substances.
Q: Name one example of an electrochemical biosensor.
A: Glucose sensor.
Q: What is a lateral flow assay?
A: A paper-based biosensor used for rapid diagnostics, such as pregnancy tests.
Q: How does a pulse oximeter function?
A: It measures blood oxygen levels using light absorption.
Q: What is the difference between a sensor and an actuator?
A: Sensors detect changes, while actuators respond by producing movement or action.
Q: What is a biomarker?
A: A biological molecule that indicates a normal or abnormal process in the body.
