Question

The technique in which the cells are subjected to cold temperature of about -15° C to -25° C is referred to as _____________

(a) ultrasonics

(b) freezing

(c) homogenization

(d) osmotic shock

This question was addressed to me in unit test.

This intriguing question originated from Extraction of Enzymes by Physical Methods in section Enzyme Extraction and Isolation of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Right option is (b) freezing

Easiest explanation: In freezing technique, the cells are subjected to cold temperature of about -15° C to -25° C for cell lysis. As compared to Ultrasonics, which uses shock waves formed due to collapses to lyse the cells. Homogenization is a mechanical method to lyse the cells. Osmotic shock uses technology of hypertonic and hypotonic solution to break the cells to extract enzymes from them.