Question

High pressure homogenization result in cell disruption due to

• A. Chemical Lysis
• B. Thermal Shock
• C. Shear Force
• D. Enzymatic Digestion

Hint:

Mechanical cell disruption (homogenizers, bead mills) almost always relies on Shear Forces. Non-mechanical methods use chemicals (Lysis) or heat (Thermal Shock).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Cell disruption is a biological processing step used to release intracellular contents. Mechanical methods, like homogenization, rely on physical forces rather than chemical or biological agents.

Step 1: Mechanism of High-Pressure Homogenization (HPH).
In HPH, a cell suspension is forced through a very narrow orifice (the homogenizing valve) at extremely high pressures. As the fluid exits the valve, it undergoes a sudden decrease in pressure and a massive increase in velocity.

Step 2: Identifying the primary force.
The primary mechanism of disruption is the intense shear force generated by the high-velocity gradient and the turbulence. Additionally, the sudden pressure drop causes cavitation and impact against the valve boundaries, but "Shear Force" is the overarching mechanical factor that tears the cell membranes apart.