Centrifugation Flashcards
1
Q
What is a centrifuge?
A
A piece of equipment that spins a sample at high speed
2
Q
What does centrifugation allow?
A
Substances to be separated according to their size and density.
3
Q
What happens during centrifugation?
A
The largest and densest materials separate out first and form a pellet at the bottom of the tube.
4
Q
What is the liquid which remains above the pellet called?
A
The supernatant
5
Q
For health and safety reasons what is important to consider when using a centrifuge?
A
The tubes are balanced; this means that the samples placed into a centrifuge should hold hold a similar volume and should be placed in the rotor at opposite sides
