Ultracentrifugation

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Ultracentrifugation

Ultracentrifugation (pronounced: ultra-sen-tri-fu-ga-tion) is a specialized technique of centrifugation that utilizes high centrifugal forces to separate particles based on their size, shape, and density.

Etymology

The term "Ultracentrifugation" is derived from the Latin ultra meaning "beyond" and the English word centrifugation, which refers to the process of separating substances using centrifugal force.

Process

Ultracentrifugation involves the use of a centrifuge that can spin at very high speeds, creating centrifugal forces much greater than gravity. These forces cause particles in a sample to sediment at different rates, allowing for their separation. The process is commonly used in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and polymer science to study the properties of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules.

Types

There are two main types of ultracentrifugation: analytical and preparative.

  • Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC) is used to study the properties of individual particles in a solution, such as their mass, shape, and interaction with other particles.
  • Preparative Ultracentrifugation is used to separate particles from a mixture for further analysis or use.

Applications

Ultracentrifugation is widely used in the study and preparation of biological samples. It is particularly useful in the purification of proteins, viruses, organelles, and nucleic acids. It is also used in the study of lipoproteins and other complex particles.

Related Terms

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