Cell Fractionation

• What is cell fractionation used for?

  To separate the different organelles within a cell so that we can study the structure and function of them
• What does a cold isotonic buffer prevent?

  Cold – slows down enzyme activity to prevent digestion

  Isotonic – prevents osmosis –so organelles don't burst

  Buffer - Maintains pH
• What does homogenise mean?

  To blend
• What are the steps of cell fractionation?

  1. Homogenise the sample to break open the cells
  2. Filter the sample
  3. Add the cold isotonic buffer
  4. Differential Centrifugation
• What organelle is the densest?

  The Nucleus
• What organelle is the lightest?

  Ribosomes
• Why do we use the centrifuge multiple times?

  To separate the organelles from the cell by density