ULTRACENTRIFUGATION Meaning and
Definition
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Ultracentrifugation is a technique used in biochemistry and molecular biology to separate and isolate different components of a mixture based on their size, shape, and density. It involves the use of a high-speed centrifuge, which generates ultra-high gravitational forces to achieve separation.
During ultracentrifugation, a sample is loaded into a tube and placed in a rotor within the centrifuge. The rotor is then spun at very high speeds, often exceeding 100,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). This rapid rotation generates centrifugal forces that drive the movement of particles within the sample.
The particles in the sample will sediment at different rates depending on their size and density. Smaller and denser particles will sediment more rapidly than larger and less dense particles. As a result, the sample separates into distinct layers or bands, where each band contains particles with similar properties.
By carefully collecting these bands, researchers can isolate and study specific components of the mixture. Ultracentrifugation has been invaluable in understanding the structure and function of biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and cell organelles.
Ultracentrifugation can also be used for other purposes, such as determining the molecular weight of macromolecules, studying protein-protein interactions, and purifying viruses. It is a versatile tool that continues to play a crucial role in various fields of biological research.
Common Misspellings for ULTRACENTRIFUGATION
- yltracentrifugation
- hltracentrifugation
- jltracentrifugation
- iltracentrifugation
- 8ltracentrifugation
- 7ltracentrifugation
- uktracentrifugation
- uptracentrifugation
- uotracentrifugation
- ulrracentrifugation
- ulfracentrifugation
- ulgracentrifugation
- ulyracentrifugation
- ul6racentrifugation
- ul5racentrifugation
- ulteacentrifugation
- ultdacentrifugation
- ultfacentrifugation
- ulttacentrifugation
Etymology of ULTRACENTRIFUGATION
The word "ultracentrifugation" is derived from two roots: "ultra-" and "centrifugation".
1. "Ultra-" is a prefix of Latin origin, meaning "beyond" or "exceeding". It is commonly used in English to describe something as extreme, excessive, or beyond the normal range. In the context of ultracentrifugation, the prefix "ultra-" emphasizes the highly intense and powerful nature of the centrifugation technique.
2. "Centrifugation" derives from the noun "centrifuge", which is a machine that uses centrifugal force (the force that acts outward from the center of rotation) to separate substances of different densities or particles suspended in a liquid. The term "centrifugation" refers to the process or act of using a centrifuge.
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