2. Cell Fractionation Flashcards
Give two ways homogenisation is done?
Using sound waves and vibrating the cellsGrinding them in a blender
What is the order organelles come out?
Nucleus
Chloroplasts
Mitochondria
Lysosomes
ER
Ribosomes
Why is microscopy useful in studying cells?
Allows us to see organelles
What do the techniques of fractionation and ultracentrifugation allow us to do?
separate organelles to study function
What happens during fractionation?
Cells broken open
What happens during ultracentrifugation?
Organelles separated
What tissue is commonly used? Why?
Liver (1) High metabolism/ lots of organelles
Why is a buffer solution used?
To maintain a constant pH
Why the solution is used isotonic?
to prevent water entering or leaving the organelles so stops them shrinking or bursting
Why is everything kept ice-cold?
To prevent enzyme activity
Which organelle contains enzymes that might damage the cells or its contents?
Lysosomes
Why is the sample homogenised
To break open cells and release organelles
Why is the homogenate filtered
To remove cell debris
Initially the homogenate is spun at low speed. Suggest what this might be.
800-1000g/ 10 mins
