Definition

1. Noun:

   • A very high-speed centrifuge used to separate tiny particles or to determine the physical properties of colloidal or macromolecular substances, such as proteins and polymers, by measuring their sedimentation rates.

2. Verb:

   • To subject a substance to separation or analysis using an ultracentrifuge.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The laboratory used an ultracentrifuge to separate the cellular components.
  • Analysis via ultracentrifuge revealed the protein's molecular mass.

• Verb:

  • The researchers will ultracentrifuge the sample to purify the virus.
  • The solution was ultracentrifuged for two hours.

Advanced Usage

• Analytical ultracentrifugation: A technique that uses an ultracentrifuge to study molecular properties like mass, shape, and interaction in solution.

  • Analytical ultracentrifugation is a key method for characterizing antibodies.

• Preparative ultracentrifugation: The use of an ultracentrifuge to isolate and purify specific particles, such as organelles or lipoproteins.

  • Preparative ultracentrifugation was employed to collect the mitochondrial fraction.

Variants and Related Words

• Ultracentrifugation (n): The process or technique of using an ultracentrifuge.

  • Ultracentrifugation is essential in virology.

• Ultracentrifugal (adj): Relating to or involving an ultracentrifuge.

  • The ultracentrifugal force achieved was immense.

Synonyms

• High-speed centrifuge (n): A general term for centrifuges operating at very high rotational speeds.
• Supercentrifuge (n): A less common synonym for an ultracentrifuge.

Related Phrases

• To spin in an ultracentrifuge: A descriptive phrase for the verb action.
  • The lysate must be spun in an ultracentrifuge to pellet the nuclei.

Noun

1. a high speed centrifuge used to determine the relative molecular masses of large molecules in high polymers and proteins

Verb

1. subject to the action of an ultracentrifuge