ultracentrifuge
Spins particles apart
An ultracentrifuge is a high-speed centrifuge that spins samples at extremely high velocities—often exceeding 100,000 revolutions per minute—to separate particles by density.
It's essential in biochemistry and molecular biology for isolating proteins, viruses, and subcellular components: The lab used an ultracentrifuge to purify the ribosomes.
As a verb, to ultracentrifuge is to subject a sample to this process.
Separating mixture into components
- pelletSmall rounded mass
- supernatantLiquid above precipitate
- gradientRate of change across space
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
density · isolation · precipitate · partitioning · phases · interface · solute · solvent
Spinning mechanical assembly
- g-forceAcceleration in gravitational units
- velocityDirected rate of motion
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- angularSharp-edged or rawboned
centripetal · revolutions · spindle · vacuum · refrigeration · titanium · drive · bearing
Folded amino chain
- DNAHereditary code molecule
- RNAGene expression molecule
- macromoleculeVery large molecule
- ribosomeProtein synthesis site
virus · lipoprotein · enzyme · organelle · membrane · antibody · peptide · chromosome
Science of living chemistry
- genomicsStudy of entire genetic sequences
- virologyStudy of infectious agents
- immunologyScience of bodily defenses
- pharmacologyStudy of drug actions
Protection from biological hazards
- specimenIndividual for examination
- sampleSubset for study
- tubeHollow cylindrical passage
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
sterile · containment · equipment · polycarbonate · cap · rack · balance · calibration
fractionation
Separating mixture into components
- pelletSmall rounded mass
- supernatantLiquid above precipitate
- gradientRate of change across space
sedimentation · density · isolation · precipitate · partitioning · phases · interface · solute · solvent · equilibrium
rotor
Spinning mechanical assembly
- g-forceAcceleration in gravitational units
- velocityDirected rate of motion
- accelerationRate velocity changes
angular · centripetal · revolutions · spindle · vacuum · refrigeration · titanium · drive · bearing · chamber
protein
Folded amino chain
- DNAHereditary code molecule
- RNAGene expression molecule
- macromoleculeVery large molecule
ribosome · virus · lipoprotein · enzyme · organelle · membrane · antibody · peptide · chromosome · lipid
biochemistry
Science of living chemistry
- genomicsStudy of entire genetic sequences
- virologyStudy of infectious agents
- immunologyScience of bodily defenses
pharmacology · biotechnology · nanotechnology · analytical · preparative
biosafety
Protection from biological hazards
protocol · sterile · containment · equipment · polycarbonate · cap · rack · balance · calibration