Editing Centrifugation (section)

===Fractionation process===
In biological research, [[cell fractionation]] typically includes the isolation of cellular components while retaining the individual roles of each component. Generally, the cell sample is stored in a suspension which is:
*Buffered—neutral pH, preventing damage to the structure of proteins including enzymes (which could affect ionic bonds)
*Isotonic (of equal water potential)—this prevents water gain or loss by the organelles
*Cool—reducing the overall activity of enzyme released later in the procedure

Centrifugation is the first step in most [[fractionation]]s. Through low-speed centrifugation, cell debris may be removed, leaving a supernatant preserving the contents of the cell. Repeated centrifugation at progressively higher speeds will fractionate homogenates of cells into their components. In general, the smaller the subcellular component, the greater is the centrifugal force required to sediment it.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Alberts |first1=Bruce |last2=Johnson |first2=Alexander |last3=Lewis |first3=Julian |last4=Raff |first4=Martin |last5=Roberts |first5=Keith |last6=Walter |first6=Peter |title=Molecular biology of the cell |date=2002 |publisher=Garland Science |location=New York |isbn=0-8153-4072-9 |edition=4th |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26936/ |language=en |chapter=Fractionation of Cells}}</ref> The soluble fraction of any [[lysate]] can then be further separated into its constituents using a variety of methods.