What is centrifugation? Centrifugation is the separation of organelles in order for further analysis of specific parts of the cells, for example, the nucleus. An ultra-centrifuge containing the homogenised organelle is rotated at a high speed in order for the centrifugal force to separate the sections of the organelle with heaviest sections separating first. Each time the centrifugation terminate, a pellet is collected and analysed. Throughout the different medical sciences and chemical industries centrifugation is predominately the process of putting liquids into test tubes, placing them in the ultra-centrifuge, and spinning it to apply the centrifugal force. From this technique we can isolate parts of the organelle such as the mitochondria, the nucleus and ribosomes. Each of these providing benefits for the scientific community. By studying the nucleus we can study the DNA for any genetic estrangements and correlations within particular diseases, as with the ribosomes and mitochondria, we can study the production of proteins and respiration etc.
The product that is received is dependent on the rotation speed, rotor size as well as the solvent density. Each of which can result in different organelle sectors being centrifuged.
This use of a centrifuge is valuable to scientists because the centrifuge separates supernatant containing homogenised organelles into layers based on their mass. Larger components of the liquid are pressed toward the outside of the centrifuge with more centrifugal force, so they settle to the bottom of the test tube. Smaller components settle in layers higher up or the supernatant, with the least massive at the top. When medical staff use a centrifuge on blood, for example, the blood cells collect at the bottom while the blood plasma moves to the top due to it being of low density.
By applying centrifugal forces in a confined and controlled space, a centrifuge can be a useful tool not only for scientists and medical practitioners, but for other industries as well. Centrifuges are used in sewer management, in the oil industry, and also in the processing of sugar and milk. They also play a part in the nuclear power industry to separate isotopes and enrich uranium.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_centrifugation
http://coursesite.uhcl.edu/NAS/StephensB/SH%20CENTRIFUGATION.pdf
www.wisegeek.com%2Fwhat-is-a-centrifuge.htm&h=DAQFB6ZjY
Author: Katie-Jo Mawson
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