Centrifuge question

Well, what does centrifuging at a low RPM get you that just standing it on the counter doesn't get you?

I see your point. But i still don't see the "biochemistry" of it. What is the extra force overcoming?

I'm talking in terms of separating a lysate from cell debris btw.

I'm not biochemist, but it seems to me that it's a question of maximum force applied.

A larger example: if you spun ME in a centrifuge going very, very slowly, you could do it for a long, long time with no noticeable effects at all. However, if you were to do so at a very high speed, for a very short amount of time, I would likely die (or be severely discomfited).

My guess is that there is a minimum amount of force necessary to actually separate the stuff in question, irregardless of the time period involved.

Cycloptichorn

Thanks, yes that is the only thing i can think of. By the way she was talking i feel there should be a more "biochemistry-y" answer - i.e. something to do with protein shape or folding - but it's been about 2 years since i looked at a biochemistry book so...

Does that word really exist?