FICOLL GRADIENT Meaning and
Definition
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A ficoll gradient is a technique used in biological research to separate different components of a biological sample based on their density. It involves the layering of a sample onto a sucrose polymer called ficoll, which creates a density gradient. This technique is commonly used for the separation of cells or particles based on their size and density.
The ficoll gradient works by centrifuging the layered sample at high speeds. As the centrifugal force is applied, the particles in the sample sediment through the ficoll solution until they reach their own equilibrium position based on their density. Heavier particles or cells settle closer to the bottom, while lighter ones remain closer to the top of the gradient.
The density gradient created by the ficoll polymer acts as a "sieve" or a "filter" that allows the separation of different components based on their size and density differences. This technique is especially useful for isolating specific cell populations or organelles from complex mixtures, such as blood samples or cell homogenates.
After centrifugation, the separate fractions can be collected and analyzed further for downstream applications, such as cell culture, molecular biology studies, or protein isolation. The ficoll gradient technique has found applications in various fields of research, including immunology, virology, and stem cell biology, among others.
In summary, a ficoll gradient is a density-based separation technique that utilizes a sucrose polymer gradient to isolate different components of a biological sample based on their density and size differences.
Common Misspellings for FICOLL GRADIENT
- dicoll gradient
- cicoll gradient
- vicoll gradient
- gicoll gradient
- ticoll gradient
- ricoll gradient
- fucoll gradient
- fjcoll gradient
- fkcoll gradient
- focoll gradient
- f9coll gradient
- f8coll gradient
- fixoll gradient
- fivoll gradient
- fifoll gradient
- fidoll gradient
- ficill gradient
- fickll gradient
- ficlll gradient
- ficpll gradient
Etymology of FICOLL GRADIENT
The word "ficoll gradient" is derived from the combination of two separate terms: "Ficoll" and "gradient".
"Ficoll" is a brand name for a type of polymer called polyvinylpyrrolidone-sodium diatrizoate. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Pharmacia and became widely used in biology and biochemistry research. The term "Ficoll" is an acronym derived from "Fractionation by Isopycnic Centrifugation in a Colloidal Medium", which describes the technique for separating and purifying biological molecules based on their density using Ficoll as a medium.
"Gradient" refers to a gradual change or progression between two different states or concentrations. In the context of the Ficoll gradient, it refers to the density gradient created by layering different concentrations of Ficoll solution, usually in a centrifuge tube.
