Cell fractionating and techniques

• Cell Fractionation


  Process where cells are broken up and organelles separated based on size/mass using gravity.
• Isotonic Buffer Solution


  Buffered to maintain a constant pH by stopping enzymes denaturing, cold to reduce enzymes activity which could break down organelles, isotonic to prevent osmosis causing damage by bursting
• Homogenisation


  Process of blending tissue to break cell membranes and release organelles.
• Filtration


  Step where the homogenate is filtered to remove large debris.
• Centrifugation


  Process where spinning at different speeds separates organelles based on mass. Nuclei, mitochondria/chloroplasts, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum
• Supernatant


  Liquid remaining after centrifugation, with smaller organelles suspended in it.