During the centrifugation
process, detergents are normally used to lyse the cells, that is, to release
the soluble proteins in the cells.
Detergents are used during
cell fractionation because their properties allow for manipulation of the
hydrophobic hydrophilic interactions which exist among molecules in the cell samples. Generally, detergents are
used to lyse cells, solubilize membrane proteins and lipids, prevent non
specific binding in purification procedures and to control protein crystallization.
