Question

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 percentage of carbohydrates in the component.
B. the presence or absence of nucleic acids in the component.
C. the presence or absence of lipids in the component.
D.the size and weight of the component.
E. the relative solubility of the component.

Answer 1

The primary factor that determines whether a specific cellular component ends up in the supernatant or the pellet during cell fractionation using centrifugation is the relative solubility of the component.

Step-by-step explanation:

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 the relative solubility of the component. When cells are homogenized, they are broken open and the cellular components are released into a liquid called the homogenate. During centrifugation, the cellular components separate based on their solubility. Components that are more soluble in the liquid will remain in the supernatant, while components that are less soluble will pellet at the bottom.