In the fractionation of homogenized cells using centrifugation, the primary factor that determines whether a specific cellular component ends up in the supernatant or the pellet is
A)the relative solubility of the component.
B)the size and weight of the component.
C)the percentage of carbohydrates in the component.
D)the number of enzymes in the fraction.
E)the presence or absence of lipids in the component.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary factor that determines whether a specific cellular component ends up in the supernatant or the pellet during fractionation by centrifugation is the size and weight of the component. Components with larger sizes or greater weights will sediment more readily during centrifugation and end up in the pellet, while smaller components will stay in the supernatant. Solubility, percentage of carbohydrates, presence of lipids, and number of enzymes are not the main determinants of fractionation by centrifugation.

In the Fractionation of Homogenized Cells Using Centrifugation, the Primary