ISOPYCNIC CENTRIFUGATION Meaning and
Definition
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Isopycnic centrifugation is a laboratory technique used to separate molecules, particularly nucleic acids, proteins, and organelles, based on their buoyant densities. The method relies on the principle that molecules will migrate to regions of a density gradient where their buoyant density is equal to the density of the surrounding medium.
In isopycnic centrifugation, a density gradient is established by layering a high-density solution, typically a cesium chloride or sucrose solution, above a lower-density solution. The sample containing the molecules of interest is then layered on top of the gradient and subjected to centrifugal force. As the centrifuge spins, the molecules move through the density gradient until they reach a region where their density matches that of the surrounding medium. At this point, they form a band or pellet, which can be collected and further analyzed.
Isopycnic centrifugation offers several advantages over other separation methods as it allows for the isolation of molecules solely based on their buoyant densities, without the need for additional physical or chemical interactions. It is widely used in molecular biology and biochemistry research for various applications, including the purification of nucleic acids, separation of subcellular organelles, and isolation of specific protein complexes or particles. Additionally, it enables the analysis of overall molecule density and can help elucidate their structural and functional characteristics.
Common Misspellings for ISOPYCNIC CENTRIFUGATION
- usopycnic centrifugation
- jsopycnic centrifugation
- ksopycnic centrifugation
- osopycnic centrifugation
- 9sopycnic centrifugation
- 8sopycnic centrifugation
- iaopycnic centrifugation
- izopycnic centrifugation
- ixopycnic centrifugation
- idopycnic centrifugation
- ieopycnic centrifugation
- iwopycnic centrifugation
- isipycnic centrifugation
- iskpycnic centrifugation
- islpycnic centrifugation
- isppycnic centrifugation
- is0pycnic centrifugation
- is9pycnic centrifugation
- isooycnic centrifugation
- isolycnic centrifugation
Etymology of ISOPYCNIC CENTRIFUGATION
The term "isopycnic centrifugation" is composed of two main parts: "isopycnic" and "centrifugation".
The word "isopycnic" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "iso", meaning "equal" or "same", and "pycnos", meaning "dense" or "compact". Therefore, "isopycnic" essentially means maintaining equal density or equilibrium in a solution.
The term "centrifugation" is derived from the Latin word "centrum", meaning "center", and the combining form "-fugare", which comes from "fugere", meaning "to flee" or "to run away". "Centrifugation" refers to a process in which centripetal force is used to separate substances of different densities or to sediment particles in a liquid by spinning them in a centrifuge.
