Homogenisation cell fractionation

Question 1

Homogenisation is the biological term used to describe the

Answer 1

breaking up of cells

Question 2

The sample of tissue (containing the cells to be broken up) must first be placed in a .,,,,,,,,, solution

Answer 2

cold, isotonic buffer

Question 3

Why should the solution be ice cold

Answer 3

Ice-cold to reduce the activity of enzymes that break down organelles

Question 4

Why should the solution be isotonic

Answer 4

Isotonic (it must have the same water potential as the cells being broken up) to prevent water from moving into the organelles via osmosis, which would cause them to expand and eventually damage them

Question 5

Why should the solution be buffered

Answer 5

Buffered (have a buffer solution added) to prevent organelle proteins from becoming denatured

Question 6

The tissue-containing solution is then homogenised using a homogeniser what is this

Answer 6

This is a blender-like machine that grinds the cells up (the cells can also be vibrated until they break up)

Question 7

What does the homogeniser do to the solution

Answer 7

This breaks the plasma membrane of the cells and releases the organelles into a solution called the homogenate