Question

What is CsCl density gradient centrifugation?

Answer 1

CsCl Density gradient centrifugation:

1. It is the density gradient centrifugation that utilises CsCl as the medium.
2. A gradient of densities from lowest to highest is formed and components sediment in the layer that corresponds to their densities.
3. Since CsCl has a density almost equivalent to that of DNA, it helps in isolating DNA from a sample containing DNA, RNA, and proteins.
4. Since proteins are heavier they sediment in the heaviest, bottom-most layer while RNA being lighter is present at the topmost layer with the lowest density.
5. This technique was discovered by Meselson and Stahl.