Abstract
The sedimentation profile (sediterm) of subcellular particles in homogenous media depends on the average sedimentation coefficient ( S value) and the size distribution. The present study has focused on the two common types of polydispersity, i.e., (i) a variable standard deviation in a normal (Gaussian) size distribution, and (ii) two populations of partieles with defined S values and size distributions. Theoretical considerations and experimental data indicate that rat liver mitochondria have a normal size distribution, ( r = 0.391 ± 0.063 μ m ) with much smaller standard deviation than previously assumed (σ = 0.118 μm) based on isokinetic gradient centrifugation and electron microscopy. Sedimentation of a mixture of rat liver and guinea pig ileal mitochondria having the S values 17,040 S and 5640 S, respectively, gave the expected profile (sediterm) of two populations of particles. Their S values were estimated to be identical to those obtained when the individual mitochondrial populations were sedimented. The ratio between the populations (based on the assay of marker enzyme) was found to be identical to the expected value.
Published Version
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