Question

For this question, you will be graded on completion, rather than correctness of the model. In the post-lab, you will asked to evaluate your original models based on what you experienced in lab. Be sure to label your model and describe what each representation means.

. i. Draw what you think your TLC plate will look like in the case where the L/S ratio is 1/1 vs 10/1. Be sure to include the baseline, solvent front, and labels for each spot.

ii. How will you identify which spot on your plate is lecithin and which spot is sphingomyelin?

iii. How will you estimate the ratio of the two lipids in your patient sample?

iv. Which sample would be from a patient who is at risk for delivering a neonate with NRDS?

Answer 1

The lecithin sphingomyelin ratio is used to determine the lungs functionality in foetus

Higher the ratio lesser the risk of lungs abnormality

i) the TLC will look like:

ii) the upper spot in the TLC will be of lecithin and lower spot will be of sphingomyelin

iii) By determining the intensity of marks of both the phospholipids. We will use densitometer or digital scanner.

iv) The sample with 1:1 L/S ratio will be at higher risk for delivering a neonate as the ratio above 2.3 :1 indicates the maturity of foetal lung.Below this the risk of delivering a foetus with lung immaturity is more.