DIFFERENTIAL CENTRIFUGATION Meaning and
Definition
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Differential centrifugation is a laboratory technique used to separate and isolate different components of a heterogeneous mixture based on their differential sedimentation rates. It involves the use of a centrifuge, a machine that rotates a sample at high speeds, generating a centrifugal force that causes the particles to separate based on their size, density, and shape.
The process begins by subjecting the mixture to low-speed centrifugation, causing the larger and denser particles to pellet at the bottom, forming a sediment called the pellet, while the smaller and lighter particles remain in the supernatant, the liquid above the pellet. The supernatant is carefully collected and subjected to higher speed centrifugation, repeating the process several times. Each step progressively filters out particles of smaller size and lower density.
Differential centrifugation is commonly used in various fields of science, such as molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology, to separate cellular organelles, proteins, and other subcellular components. By performing multiple rounds of differential centrifugation, scientists can obtain highly purified fractions of specific components, enabling further study and analysis.
This technique offers an efficient and relatively simple method for isolating different components in a heterogeneous mixture, providing valuable information about the composition and function of the components within the sample. By utilizing the principle of differential sedimentation, differential centrifugation plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of biological and biochemical processes.
Common Misspellings for DIFFERENTIAL CENTRIFUGATION
- sifferential centrifugation
- xifferential centrifugation
- cifferential centrifugation
- fifferential centrifugation
- rifferential centrifugation
- eifferential centrifugation
- dufferential centrifugation
- djfferential centrifugation
- dkfferential centrifugation
- dofferential centrifugation
- d9fferential centrifugation
- d8fferential centrifugation
- didferential centrifugation
- dicferential centrifugation
- divferential centrifugation
- digferential centrifugation
- ditferential centrifugation
- dirferential centrifugation
- difderential centrifugation
- difcerential centrifugation
Etymology of DIFFERENTIAL CENTRIFUGATION
The word "differential centrifugation" is composed of two main components: "differential" and "centrifugation".
1. "Differential" derives from the Latin word "differentia", meaning "distinction" or "difference". In modern English, "differential" refers to the representation or measurement of a difference between two or more things.
2. "Centrifugation" is derived from the Latin word "centrum", meaning "center", and "fugere", meaning "to flee" or "to run away". The term refers to a process that involves spinning a mixture at high speeds to separate and collect different components based on their mass or density.
Therefore, the term "differential centrifugation" refers to a technique in which components of a mixture are separated based on their distinct characteristics using a centrifuge.
