What is the primary function of a centrifuge in the laboratory?

The primary function of a centrifuge in the laboratory is to separate solids from liquids or liquids of differing densities. A centrifuge works by spinning samples at high speeds, which generates a centrifugal force that causes denser materials to move outward and settle at the bottom of a tube, while lighter materials remain suspended in the liquid above. This principle is widely utilized in various applications, such as blood separation to isolate plasma from cellular components, or purifying cellular components in biochemical research.

Other options, while relevant to laboratory functions, do not accurately describe the centrifuge's primary role. For instance, sterilization is generally achieved through autoclaving or chemical methods rather than centrifugation. Enhancing airflow is not a function of a centrifuge; that is more typical of ventilation systems or fume hoods in laboratory settings. Lastly, heating samples is usually performed using incubators or heat blocks, not a centrifuge, as the latter focuses on physical separation, not temperature changes.