EQUILIBRIUM CENTRIFUGATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Equilibrium centrifugation is a technique used in molecular biology and biochemistry to separate and purify different components of a mixture based on their size, density, and molecular weight. It involves the application of centrifugal force to the sample, which causes the particles to sediment according to their respective properties.
In equilibrium centrifugation, a solution containing a mixture of macromolecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, is placed in a centrifuge tube and subjected to high-speed rotation. During centrifugation, the particles within the sample distribute themselves along a density gradient, with denser particles settling closer to the bottom and lighter particles remaining towards the top.
The gradient is typically created using a density gradient medium, such as sucrose or cesium chloride. This medium forms layers of increasing density within the tube, allowing for the formation of a smooth gradient that enables the separation of components based on their buoyant density.
As the centrifugation continues, the particles within the sample reach a state of equilibrium, where the sedimentation rate equals the rate of diffusion or movement in the opposite direction. At this point, the particles remain in their position, leading to the formation of distinct bands or zones along the density gradient.
By carefully collecting these bands or zones, scientists can isolate and purify specific components of interest from the mixture. Equilibrium centrifugation is especially useful for studying complex biological structures, such as ribosomes or viruses, and for determining the molecular weight or size of macromolecules.
Common Misspellings for EQUILIBRIUM CENTRIFUGATION
- wquilibrium centrifugation
- squilibrium centrifugation
- dquilibrium centrifugation
- rquilibrium centrifugation
- 4quilibrium centrifugation
- 3quilibrium centrifugation
- e1uilibrium centrifugation
- e2uilibrium centrifugation
- ewuilibrium centrifugation
- eauilibrium centrifugation
- eqyilibrium centrifugation
- eqhilibrium centrifugation
- eqjilibrium centrifugation
- eqiilibrium centrifugation
- eq8ilibrium centrifugation
- eq7ilibrium centrifugation
- equulibrium centrifugation
- equjlibrium centrifugation
- equklibrium centrifugation
- equolibrium centrifugation
Etymology of EQUILIBRIUM CENTRIFUGATION
The word "equilibrium centrifugation" can be broken down into two parts: "equilibrium" and "centrifugation".
1. Equilibrium: The term "equilibrium" comes from the Latin word "aequilibrium", which means "equal balance". It is derived from the combination of "aequus" meaning "equal" and "libra" meaning "balance" or "scales". "Equilibrium" refers to a state of balance or stability in a system, where opposing forces or factors are in equal proportion.
2. Centrifugation: The term "centrifugation" is derived from the Latin word "centrum", meaning "center", and "fugare", meaning "to flee" or "to chase away".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
