Types of Centrifugal Separations
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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum angular speed of a microcentrifuge?

  • 12,000–13,000 rpm (correct)
  • 70,000 rpm
  • 65,000 rpm
  • 30,000 rpm
  • What type of centrifuge is best for isolating smaller biological particles like ribosomes and proteins?

  • Microcentrifuge
  • Ultracentrifuge (correct)
  • High-speed centrifuge
  • Cold centrifuge
  • Which centrifuge is specifically designed to maintain low temperatures?

  • Ultracentrifuge
  • Cold centrifuge (correct)
  • High-speed centrifuge
  • Microcentrifuge
  • How much liquid can a high-speed centrifuge typically handle?

    <p>From a few tens of milliliters to several liters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum angular velocity achievable by ultracentrifuges?

    <p>70,000 rpm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is unique to cold centrifuges compared to other types?

    <p>Temperature control feature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical volume that microcentrifuge tubes can hold?

    <p>0.5 – 2.0 mL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which centrifuge can reach speeds over 65,000 x g?

    <p>Cold centrifuge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common application for a high-speed centrifuge?

    <p>Handling large volumes of liquid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following centrifuges is primarily used for high-velocity applications?

    <p>Ultracentrifuge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Types of Centrifugal Separations

    • Differential Centrifugation: Separates particles based on size; larger particles sediment faster than smaller ones during centrifugation.

    • Used for obtaining partially pure preparations of subcellular organelles and macromolecules.

    • Resulting pellet contains a mixture from larger to smaller particles; supernatant consists of liquid plus most slowly sedimenting components.

    • Density Gradient Centrifugation: Preferred method for purifying subcellular organelles and macromolecules by creating density gradients with multiple layers of gradient media.

    Types of Centrifuge

    • Microcentrifuge:

      • Designed for small volumes (0.5 - 2.0 mL).
      • Spun at speeds of 12,000–13,000 rpm.
    • High-speed or Superspeed Centrifuge:

      • Handles larger sample volumes, from tens of milliliters to several liters.
      • Achieves higher speeds, around 30,000 rpm.
    • Ultracentrifuge:

      • Utilizes high centrifugal forces to study biological particles.
      • Can isolate much smaller particles, including ribosomes and viruses, reaching speeds over 70,000 rpm.
    • Cold Centrifuge:

      • Maintains low temperatures (-20°C to -40°C), ideal for sensitive analyses such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.
      • Achieves speeds over 30,000 rpm, with a relative centrifugal force (RCF) exceeding 65,000 x g.

    Centrifuge Functionality

    • A centrifuge separates particles from solutions based on size, shape, density, viscosity, and rotor speed by applying high gravitational force.
    • Denser particles sink while lighter ones rise; if densities are equal, particles remain in suspension.
    • Commonly used to separate macromolecules like cells, organelles, proteins, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), and salts.

    Principle of Centrifugation

    • Operates on the sedimentation principle; denser substances settle at the bottom of the tube.
    • In blood centrifugation, blood cells gather at the bottom, while plasma remains at the top.
    • Variables impacting centrifugal force include mass, shape, speed, and radius.

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    Description

    Learn about differential centrifugation, a method for separating particles based on size, commonly used for obtaining partially pure preparations of subcellular organelles and macromolecules.

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