Miscellaneous
UNIT 3.14 Isolation of Melanosomes
Published Online: 1 APR 2005
DOI: 10.1002/0471143030.cb0314s26
Copyright © 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lab Protocol Title
Current Protocols in Cell Biology
Additional Information
How to Cite
Watabe, H., Kushimoto, T., Valencia, J. C. and Hearing, V. J. 2005. Isolation of Melanosomes. Current Protocols in Cell Biology. 3.14.1–3.14.16.
Publication History
- Published Online: 1 APR 2005
- Published Print: MAR 2005
- Abstract
- Article
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The methods used to purify early and late melanosomes are detailed. These methods include the use of highly pigmented cells to maximize recovery and the use of various sucrose density gradients to separate melanosome fractions based on their density (which is determined in large part by the amount of dense melanin pigment that they contain). Early melanosomes lacking pigment must be further purified using free-flow electrophoresis.
Keywords: melanosomes; free-flow electrophoresis; subcellular fractionation; melanin; pigment