Extraction Flashcards
1
Q
What is the function of the lab technique “extraction?”
A
“Extraction” is a liquid-liquid separation technique based on solubility
2
Q
Extraction uses what types of substances?
A
ones that are immiscible, or unmixable with each other
they have different polarities, and so appear as different “layers” within the separatory funnel
3
Q
How are liquids separated (extracted) utilizing this technique?
A
- use a weak acid/base to extract the strong components
- use a strong acid/base to extract the weak components
* alternate this pattern until each “item” has been separated and removed from the funnel
4
Q
What is a commonly used extraction technique?
A
phenol-chloroform, which separates nucleic acids from cellular proteins
5
Q
What tend to be the 2 different layers (ie what are their names)
A
- the organic layers
2. the aqueous layers
6
Q
Which layers tend to be less dense?
A
the organic layers
7
Q
What is the function of the organic solvent?
A
to remove hydrophobic molecules from the aqueous layer
