Definition
noun, plural: homogenates
Material that has been homogenized or obtained through homogenization.
Supplement
For example, a liver homogenate is a liver tissue in which its cells have been mechanically disrupted, releasing the organelles and cytoplasm.
The word homogenate was introduced by VR Potter in1941 (J. Biol. Chem 141:775) to refer specifically to suspensions or animal tissues that had been ground in the all-glass “homogenizer”as described by Potter and CA Elvehjem in 1936 (J. Biol. Chem114:495) In the inaugural volume of Methods in Medical Reseach (Vol 1, Van R. Potter, editor-in-chief Yearbook Publishers Chicago:1948) Potter notes that the term had since been used by various investigators to refer to tissue preparations that have been “ground in mortor, with or without sand, or disintegrated in a Waring blendor, or produced by methods not described.” (p. 317) Although these preparations are probably no less appropriately called homogenates, Potter says, in line with the stated goals of Methods in Medical Research, “it seems desirable to promote a nomenclature that is as meaningful as possible, and it is suggested that the method of preparation be specified.” (p.317) The chief significance of the term, he continues, is that “it serves to distinguish the preparation from slices, minces and extracts….the homogenate technique accepts the fact that the cells in the tissue are no longer living and attempts to obtain surviving groups of enzymes word “enzymes” emphasized without loss of in vivo properties.”
Related forms: homogenize (verb), homogenization (noun).
Dictionary > Homogenate
You will also like...
Animal Water Regulation
Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..
Hormone Production
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by specialized glands and they were produced by switching on the genes designe..
Biosecurity and Biocontrol
This lesson explores the impact of biosecurity threats, and why they need to be identified and managed. Examples to incl..
Temperature Regulation in Animals
This tutorial elucidates body temperature regulation. Know the details here to learn how the body sets the body temperat..
Physical Development in Humans
This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..
Neurology of Illusions
Illusions are the perceptions and sensory data obtained from situations in which human error prevents us from seeing the..