What does the dalton unit measure?

The dalton, often expressed as "Da," is a unit that measures mass, specifically the mass of large molecules and atomic and molecular structures. It is defined as one twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom, which is approximately equal to 1.66 x 10^-24 grams. In biochemistry, it is commonly used to express the mass of proteins, nucleic acids, and other macromolecules, allowing scientists to discuss and compare their sizes more conveniently.

Using the dalton as a measure provides clarity when discussing the mass of large biological macromolecules, which can vary significantly, thus making it the preferred unit in molecular biology and biochemistry contexts.