2.4 Cell Fractionation

• Homogenise


  blending cells to break their membranes
• Homogenate


  The solution formed from homogenisation
• Centrifuge


  machine that separates substances by whirling them
• What solution should you place tissue into before homogenising it?

  Ice cold, pH buffered, isotonic solution
• why does the solution have to be ice cold?

  reduce enzyme activity
• why does the solution have a pH buffer?

  maintain a constant pH and prevents damage to proteins in the cells
• why does the solution have to be isotonic?

  To prevent organelles shrinking or swelling due to osmosis