Step 1: Differential Centrifugation Explained:
Differential centrifugation separates cell components based on size and density. Larger, denser components pellet at lower centrifugal forces; smaller, less dense components require higher forces.
Step 2: Fractionation Procedure:
The typical fractionation order, with increasing centrifugal force, is as follows:
Low-speed centrifugation (600-1000g for 10 min): Pellets large, dense components: intact cells, cytoskeleton, and primarily nuclei (nuclear pellet).
Medium-speed centrifugation (15,000g for 20 min): Pellets intermediate-sized organelles: mitochondria, chloroplasts (plant cells), lysosomes, and peroxisomes.
High-speed centrifugation (100,000g for 60 min): Pellets smaller components like microsomes (endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi fragments).
Ultracentrifugation (>150,000g for several hours): Pellets the smallest components: ribosomes, large macromolecules, and viruses.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Therefore, centrifugation at 1000g for 10 minutes will pellet the nuclei.