Q.73 In a sucrose density gradient, what is the order of organelle sedimentation
from lower to higher concentration of sucrose?
- Golgi, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rough endoplasmic reticulum.
- Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum.
- Golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum, smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi.
Sucrose density gradient centrifugation separates organelles by their buoyant density, with Golgi sedimenting first (lowest density), followed by smooth ER, and rough ER last (highest density due to ribosomes).
Correct Answer
Golgi, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Technique Overview
Sucrose density gradient centrifugation uses a tube filled with increasing sucrose concentrations (lower at top, higher at bottom). When spun, organelles migrate to their equilibrium position based on buoyant density—heavier/denser ones reach higher sucrose layers. This isolates Golgi (cisternae, vesicles; ~1.10-1.15 g/cm³), smooth ER (tubular, lipid-rich; intermediate ~1.15-1.18 g/cm³), and rough ER (ribosome-studded sheets; densest ~1.18-1.22 g/cm³).
Option Analysis
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Option 1: Golgi, smooth ER, rough ER – Correct. Matches density order: Golgi (least dense, large vesicles) → smooth ER (tubular, no ribosomes) → rough ER (densest, ribosomes add mass).
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Option 2: Smooth ER, Golgi, rough ER – Incorrect. Smooth ER is denser than Golgi due to structure; Golgi sediments before it.
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Option 3: Golgi, rough ER, smooth ER – Incorrect. Rough ER is denser than smooth ER because ribosomes increase density; order reversed.
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Option 4: Rough ER, smooth ER, Golgi – Incorrect. Reverses actual density gradient; densest (rough ER) sediments last to bottom (higher sucrose).
Density Factors
Golgi has lower density from stacked cisternae and vesicles. Smooth ER’s tubular form is less dense than rough ER’s ribosome-coated sheets, which sediment deepest. Factors like ribosomes (~30% mass addition) and hydration explain this.
Sucrose density gradient organelle sedimentation order is a key concept in cell biology for GATE Life Sciences aspirants. This technique separates organelles like Golgi, smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and rough ER based on buoyant density during centrifugation.
What is Sucrose Density Gradient Centrifugation?
In sucrose density gradient centrifugation, a tube holds a gradient from low (top) to high sucrose concentration (bottom). Cell homogenates are layered on top and spun at high speed. Organelles equilibrate at sucrose levels matching their density: lighter ones stay higher, denser ones sink lower. This isolates components for study, vital for biochemistry and molecular biology research.
Organelle Densities and Sedimentation Sequence
The precise sucrose density gradient organelle sedimentation order from lower to higher sucrose (top to bottom) is:
Organelle Buoyant Density (g/cm³) Reason for Position Golgi apparatus ~1.10-1.15 Stacked cisternae, vesicles; least compact. Smooth ER ~1.15-1.18 Tubular membranes, lipid-rich, no ribosomes. Rough ER ~1.18-1.22 Flat cisternae studded with dense ribosomes. Golgi sediments first due to lower density from vesicular structure. Smooth ER follows, being more tubular and lighter than ribosome-laden rough ER, which pellets deepest.
Why This Order Matters for GATE Life Sciences
For competitive exams like GATE, understanding sucrose density gradient organelle sedimentation order tests knowledge of organelle properties. Rough ER’s ribosomes increase density most, smooth ER lacks them, and Golgi aids protein/lipid sorting with lower density. Misorder in options often confuses density vs. size effects.
Common Exam Mistakes and Tips
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Don’t confuse with differential centrifugation (size-based, no gradient).
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Ribosomes make rough ER densest—key differentiator.
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Practice: Visualize gradient—Golgi near top, rough ER at bottom.
This sucrose density gradient organelle sedimentation order (Golgi → smooth ER → rough ER) ensures precise separation for downstream analysis like enzyme assays. Master it for scoring in cell biology sections.
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