Cell Fractionation Flashcards
What is the process of cell fractionation for
Cells are broken up and the different organelles are collected and separated based on their size and mass using gravity
Why is the tissue in cell fractionation buffered
To maintain a constant ph
Why is the tissue in cell fractionation cold
To slow dow enzyme activity to prevent damage to the cells and organelled
Why is the tissue in cell fractionation isotonic
It maintains the concentration of water the same both outside and inside the cell which prevents damage to the organelles by busting due to osmosis
3 processes of cell fractionation
Homogenisation
Filtration
Ultracentrifugation
What does the first step in cell fractionation do
Homogenising
Breaks up the tissue to break open cell membranes and release the organelles
What is the second step in the cell fractionating proscess and what does it do
Filtration
Homogenate is filtered to remove any large debris that may sink to the bottom
What is the last step in the fractionating proscess and what happens
Ultracentrifugation
Organelles are spun in an increasing speed forming a pellet at the bottom of the test tube as the smaller organelles stay at the top suspended in a liquid called the supernatant
What organelle will be collected in the first spin
Nuclei as its the heaviest
What falls in the second spin
Mitochondria and chloroplast if the cells are plant
What will be collected in the third spin
Lysozymes
What will be collected in the last spin
Endoplasmic reticulum
