12 Questions
What is the primary purpose of forming a cell homogenate?
To separate organelles from one another
What type of cells frequently require the use of an abrasive during disruption?
Plant cells
What is the principle behind differential centrifugation?
Separation of organelles based on their size and density using gravity
What is the purpose of increasing the rotation rate of the centrifuge rotor in differential centrifugation?
To increase the gravitational force experienced by the homogenate
What is the term for the explosive decompression of cells saturated with a compressed gas?
Cavitation
What is the common characteristic shared by the two most popular methods of organelle separation?
They use gravity to separate organelles based on their size and density
What is the meaning of the term 'fractionate'?
To separate or divide into component parts
Why is cell fractionation important in understanding eukaryotic cells?
To discover and elucidate the functional properties of different organelles
What is the first step in fractionating cells into organelles?
Disruption of the cells to release their contents into a benign buffer
What is the ideal result of a fractionation procedure?
A series of fractions, each containing only one, highly purified organelle or protein
What can be further fractionated from a purified organelle, such as mitochondria?
Its unique set of proteins, for example the enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle
What is an example of a fraction that could be obtained from a liver cell?
A fraction containing only nuclei, or one containing only mitochondria, or one containing only lysosomes
Learn about the concept of fractionation in experimental cell biology, its techniques, and the isolation of cell components, including eukaryotic cells and organelles. Understand the functional properties of organelles and how they were discovered.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
