# Proteomics/Protein Separations - Centrifugation

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## Introduction to Centrifugation

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Centrifugation is one of the
most important and widely applied research techniques in
biochemistry, cellular and molecular
biology, and in medicine. In the field of
proteomics it plays a vital role in the fundamental and necessary
process of isolating proteins. This process begins with intact cells or
tissues. Before the proteins can be obtained, the cells must be broken
open by processes such as snap freezing, sonication, homogenization by
high pressure, or grinding with liquid nitrogen. Once the cells have
been opened up all of their contents; including cell membranes, RNA,
DNA, and organelles will be mixed in the solvent with the proteins.
Centrifugation is probably the most commonly used method for separating
out all the non protein material. Within the centrifuge samples are spun
at high speeds and the resulting force causes particles to separate
based on their density.

## Uses of Centrifugation

Centrifugation is capable of:

-   Removing cells or other suspended particles from their surrounding
    milieu on either a batch or a continous-flow basis

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-   Separating one cell type from another

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-   Isolating viruses and macromolecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins,
    and lipids or establishing physical parameters of these particles
    from their observed behavior during centrifugation

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-   Separating from dispersed tissue the various subcellular organelles
    including nuclei, mitochondria, cholorplasts, golgi bodies,
    lysosomes, peroxisomes, glyoxysomes, plasma membranes, endoplasmic
    reticulum, polysomes, and ribosomal subunits.

Once the mixture of proteins has been isolated using centrifugation the
scientist is then able to use one of several methods to separate out
individual proteins for further study. For more information on protein
purification/separation see Protein Separations --
Chromatography
and Protein Separations--
Electrophoresis.

Next section: /History of the
Centrifuge/

## References

### Subscription Based References

1.  Sheeler, P. \"Centrifugation in Biology and Medical Science.\" Dept
    of Biology, California State University, Northridge, California

### Open Access References

1.  Claude, A. & Potter, J. S. \"Isolation of Chromatin Threads From
    The Reasting Nucleus of Leukemic
    Cells\" The Journal of
    Experimental Medicine.

