Ultracentrifuge

Ultracentrifuge (pronunciation: /ˌʌltrəˈsɛntrɪfjuːdʒ/) is a type of centrifuge that has been designed to rotate at extremely high speeds. The term "ultracentrifuge" is derived from the Latin ultra meaning "beyond" and the English centrifuge meaning "to drive or flee from the center".

Function

An ultracentrifuge is used to separate the components of a mixture based on their density. It is commonly used in the field of biochemistry for the isolation and purification of biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.

Types

There are two main types of ultracentrifuges: the preparative ultracentrifuge and the analytical ultracentrifuge. The preparative ultracentrifuge is used for the separation of samples, while the analytical ultracentrifuge is used for the analysis of the shape, size, and distribution of particles in a sample.

History

The ultracentrifuge was invented in the 1920s by Theodor Svedberg, a Swedish chemist and Nobel laureate. Svedberg's invention revolutionized the field of biochemistry by allowing scientists to study the properties of macromolecules in greater detail.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Ultracentrifuge
Wikipedia's article - Ultracentrifuge

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Ultracentrifuge