What is a lysate?

A lysate is a solution containing the contents of lysed (broken open) cells, usually originating from bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. Lysates are commonly used in molecular biology and cell biology research for various applications, such as protein analysis, enzyme assays, and gene expression studies.

To create a lysate, cells are typically lysed, or disrupted, using various methods such as sonication, homogenization, or freeze-thaw cycles. The resulting lysate contains a mixture of cellular components, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites.

Lysates can be further processed to isolate specific components of interest, such as proteins or nucleic acids, for further analysis or experimentation. They can also be used as a source of cellular material for various applications, such as in vitro protein synthesis or cell-free expression systems.

Overall, lysates are valuable tools in biological research and provide a convenient way to study the molecular components of cells in a controlled environment.