3.9 - Cell Fractionation Flashcards
The purpose and process of cell fractionation The steps of cell fractionation
What is cell fractionation?
Laboratory method isolating cell components
What is the purpose of cell fractionation?
To study organelles in detail
What are the four main steps of cell fractionation?
Sample preparation
What type of solution is used in sample preparation?
Ice-cold
Why is the solution ice-cold?
To slow down enzyme activity
Why is the solution isotonic?
To prevent damage through water movement
Why is the solution buffered?
To prevent denaturation of proteins and enzymes
What is homogenisation?
Physically breaking open cells
How is homogenisation achieved?
Using a blender to grind cells
What is filtration?
Removing larger pieces of cell debris
What is used for filtration?
Gauze
What is ultracentrifugation?
Separating organelles based on density
What is a pellet?
Sediment at the bottom of the tube
What is a supernatant?
Liquid remaining above the pellet
What are the heaviest organelles?
Nuclei
What are the lightest organelles?
Ribosomes
What is the order of organelles from heaviest to lightest?
Nuclei
How are organelles separated in ultracentrifugation?
By spinning at various speeds
What happens to the supernatant after each spin?
It is transferred to a new tube and centrifuged at a higher speed
