The Centrifuge is one of the most commonly used pieces of laboratory equipment. It’s like the Gravitron for biological samples. We use the centrifuge in the laboratory to spin down such things as mammalian cells growing in culture (mouse embryonic stem cells for example) or bacteria for extracting DNA. The centrifuge operates on the principle of centrifugal force, and the particles in the sample separate in the tube based on density as the sample spins at high speeds. In the case of mammalian cells and bacteria, the sample separates into a pellet fraction and a supernatant fraction.
1) If you want to sound smart, throw these words into your conversation: “pellet”, “supernatant”, “rpm”, “swinging bucket (rotor)”.
2) To help you out, try this sentence on your friends next time this hot topic comes up in conversation: “We took the ‘77 Trans Am for a spin yesterday and let me tell you what. We were trying to see if we could get those rpm’s to redline and came up on a sharp curve in the road. Tires squealing. The whole back end skidding. I tell you I almost dropped a few pellets in that swinging bucket seat. On the straight-a-way, we were getting up to speeds of about 120 mph and managed to pick up quite a collection of bug supernatant on the windshield.”
To honor studies of Circadian Rhythms, I have selected this song for your enjoyment:
Centrifuge by Pomplamoose
I love it…”I almost dropped a few pellets”. The guy in the video is pretty crazy too. Good song though.
Was the trans am bustin out at 3 rpms?
Ha ha! The thought did cross my mind to write “bustin it out at 3 rpms”. =)
I went to the supernatant today and picked up a beauty of a swinging bucket.
Kim is too funny—- Leigh, you’re writing exercises those unused facial muscles and produce interesting sounds that start in the belly and work their way up to falling out of my mouth:) Thanks for the workout.
Steve, at the end of the Pamplamoo….video, the guy on the floor, curled up in his hoodie with his blanket, sounded just like you used to when someone tried to get you to respond during your sleepy time…..sorry, it just triggered days gone by….I am sure you have gone way beyond that now LOVE YOU BOTH:)
Hehe–I agree with mom about the guy in the hoodie. Seriously, you come up with some good stuff, Leigh
I always learn something new!!