How does a centrifuge work in a laboratory?

A centrifuge operates by spinning samples at high speeds, which generates centrifugal force. This force pushes denser materials to the bottom of the container, effectively separating components based on their density. When a mixture is spun in a centrifuge, the denser particles move outward and settle at the bottom, while less dense components remain suspended in the fluid above. This process is used extensively in laboratories to separate cells from plasma, isolate proteins, and purify nucleic acids, among other applications.

In contrast to the other processes described, which involve different mechanisms of action—such as applying heat for chemical reactions, filtering through membranes, or combining samples through mixing—a centrifuge specifically utilizes centrifugal force to achieve separation. This makes it a critical tool in biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories where component separation is essential for further analysis or experimentation.