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Differential Centrifugation definitions

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  • Centrifuge
    Instrument with a rapidly rotating rotor used to separate mixtures by applying centrifugal force.
  • Crude Extract
    Initial mixture from protein extraction containing various cell structures and molecules.
  • Pellet
    Solid material collected at the bottom of a spinning container after centrifugation.
  • Supernatant
    Liquid above the pellet containing dissolved proteins and unprecipitated solutes.
  • Sedimentation Coefficient
    Value characterizing the speed at which particles settle during centrifugation, influenced by density, shape, and mass.
  • Svedberg
    Unit used to express the sedimentation coefficient, named after a scientist.
  • Centrifugal Force
    Force generated by rapid rotation, causing separation of mixture components based on their properties.
  • Molecular Weight
    Mass of a molecule, often measured in grams per mole, affecting but not solely determining sedimentation behavior.
  • Homogenization
    Process of breaking cells to release their contents for extraction.
  • Nuclei
    Cellular organelles pelleted first during differential centrifugation due to their size and density.
  • Mitochondria
    Organelles separated in subsequent centrifugation steps, forming distinct pellets.
  • Ribosomes
    Small cellular components isolated at higher spinning velocities during differential centrifugation.
  • Soluble Proteins
    Proteins remaining dissolved in the supernatant after insoluble components are pelleted.
  • Protein Purification
    Strategy involving sequential steps to isolate a specific protein from a complex mixture.
  • Stepwise Separation
    Sequential process in differential centrifugation to isolate specific cell components at each stage.