Question

The procedure in which cell lysis occur because of shock waves which are formed due to collapses occurring in buffered solution containing cells is referred to as _______________

(a) alkali treatment

(b) osmotic shock

(c) ultrasonication

(d) detergent treatment

I had been asked this question in semester exam.

The query is from Extraction of Enzymes by Physical Methods topic in chapter Enzyme Extraction and Isolation of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

The correct answer is (c) ultrasonication

The explanation is: When the cells in buffered solution are applied with ultrasonics, areas of compression and rarefaction are created which leads to formation of cavities which in turn collapses that area. This collapse leads to formation of shock waves that mediate cell lysis. This procedure is referred to as Ultrasonication. Detergent treatment, osmotic shock and alkali treatment are the methods which extract enzymes using chemicals.