Ask Difference

Supernatant vs. Pellet — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Supernatant is the clear liquid remaining after precipitates settle in a solution, whereas a pellet is the mass of settled particles at the bottom of the container.
Supernatant vs. Pellet — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Supernatant and Pellet

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

In the process of centrifugation or sedimentation, the supernatant refers to the clear liquid that stays above the settled material, while the pellet consists of the denser materials that accumulate at the bottom of the container.
During laboratory experiments, the supernatant can be easily decanted or pipetted from the container, preserving the liquid for further analysis; on the other hand, the pellet, being solid, often requires resuspension or additional processing to be utilized further.
The supernatant typically contains dissolved solutes, remaining cells, or fine particles that did not settle, whereas the pellet is primarily composed of precipitated proteins, cells, or large particles that were the target of separation.
Analyzing the supernatant can help in understanding the soluble components of a mixture, whereas examining the pellet provides insights into the heavier, often more concentrated materials.
In terms of visibility, the supernatant is usually clearer and may range in color depending on the substances dissolved, while the pellet is generally more opaque and compact, visible as a distinct mass at the bottom.
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Definition

Clear liquid above settled material
Mass of settled particles at the bottom

Position in Container

Upper part
Lower part

Composition

Dissolved solutes, remaining cells or fine particles
Precipitated proteins, cells, large particles

Processing Needed

Can be decanted or pipetted
Requires resuspension or further processing

Visibility

Clearer, possibly colored
Opaque and compact

Compare with Definitions

Supernatant

Upper layer of a centrifuged sample.
The supernatant was clear, indicating no contamination.

Pellet

Concentrated mass of particles.
The pellet was dense, showing high purity of the sample.

Supernatant

Clear fluid above settled debris.
After centrifugation, the supernatant was collected for biochemical analysis.

Pellet

Settled material after centrifugation.
The DNA was found in the pellet after the spin.

Supernatant

Liquid remaining after precipitation.
The supernatant contained the necessary enzymes for the reaction.

Pellet

Residue left after decanting liquid.
The pellet contained all the cellular debris.

Supernatant

Decanted fluid from a mixture.
The supernatant was transferred to a new tube for further experiments.

Pellet

Solid deposit at the bottom of a container.
The pellet was washed twice before resuspension.

Supernatant

Separated aqueous phase.
The chemical assay was conducted using the supernatant.

Pellet

Accumulation of precipitate.
The pellet was analyzed to determine the concentration of the precipitated protein.

Supernatant

Denoting the liquid lying above a solid residue after crystallization, precipitation, centrifugation, or other process
Carefully transfer the supernatant fluid into a 15 ml centrifuge tube

Pellet

A small, solid or densely packed ball or mass, as of food, wax, or medicine.

Supernatant

A volume of supernatant liquid
The supernatants were filtered and analysed

Pellet

A bullet or piece of small shot.

Supernatant

Floating on the surface.

Pellet

A stone ball, used as a catapult missile or a primitive cannonball.

Supernatant

The clear fluid above a sediment or precipitate.

Pellet

To make or form into pellets.

Supernatant

Lying or floating above a denser fluid, or above a solid sediment or precipitate (which has been separated by crystallisation, centrifugation etc.).

Pellet

To strike with pellets.

Supernatant

The liquid that lies above a sediment or precipitate; supernate

Pellet

A small, compressed, hard chunk of matter.
A pellet of wood, paper, or ore

Supernatant

Material that floats on the surface of a liquid

Pellet

Compressed byproduct of digestion regurgitated by owls and many other birds of prey, which serves as a waste disposal mechanism for indigestible parts of food, such as fur and bones.

Supernatant

Swimming above; floating on the surface; as, oil supernatant on water.

Pellet

(heraldry) A roundel sable (black circular spot).

Supernatant

The liquid remaining after solids suspended in the liquid have been sedimented by gravity or by centrifugation. Contrasted with the solid sediment, or (in centrifugation) the pellet.

Pellet

One of the short conductive tubes in a Pelletron particle accelerator.

Supernatant

A liquid lying above a sediment (floating on the surface)

Pellet

To form into pellets.

Supernatant

Of a liquid; floating on the surface above a sediment or precipitate;
The supernatant fat was skimmed off

Pellet

To strike with pellets.

Pellet

A little ball; as, a pellet of wax on paper.

Pellet

To form into small balls; to pelletize.

Pellet

A small sphere

Pellet

A solid missile discharged from a firearm;
The shot buzzed past his ear

Common Curiosities

Can the supernatant be discarded in all experiments?

Not always; the decision to keep or discard the supernatant depends on the nature of the experiment and the components being studied.

Is it possible to have multiple pellets from one centrifugation?

Yes, if different materials settle at different rates, multiple pellets can form at different layers.

What is the primary use of the supernatant in laboratory settings?

The supernatant is often used to analyze soluble substances and remaining reactants in a solution.

What does the color of the supernatant indicate?

The color of the supernatant can indicate the presence of specific compounds or contamination levels.

How do you ensure complete separation of supernatant and pellet?

Careful centrifugation and proper decanting techniques are essential for clear separation.

What is the significance of analyzing both supernatant and pellet?

Analyzing both provides a comprehensive overview of all components in the mixture.

How do you typically process a pellet for analysis?

A pellet is usually resuspended in a buffer or solution to disperse the materials for further analysis.

What factors influence the formation of a pellet?

Factors include centrifugal force, time, temperature, and the density of the materials.

Can the supernatant contain any solid particles?

Yes, very fine particles can remain suspended in the supernatant.

How is the volume of the supernatant compared to that of the pellet?

The supernatant usually occupies a larger volume than the pellet, which is more condensed.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Simple vs. Simpleton
Next Comparison
Meal vs. Breakfast

Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms