Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dalton
Noun
/ˈdɔːl.tən/
Definition
A unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights, equivalent to one twelfth of the mass of an unbound neutral atom of carbon-12 in its ground state.
Examples
- The molecular weight of hemoglobin is approximately 64,500 daltons.
- Several new compounds were tested, with molecular weights over 500 daltons.
- Amino acids can vary in size, with some being less than 100 daltons.
Meaning
The dalton is commonly used in chemistry and biology to describe the mass of molecules, particularly large ones such as proteins and nucleic acids.
Synonyms
- AMU (atomic mass unit)
