Some protocols call for fluid samples to be mixed with a "vortexer" on the high setting. What effect does the vortexing have on fluid samples that mechanical shaking does not? Does it shear long molecules like DNA, for instance?
A friend is setting up a new lab and asked if vortexers were strictly necessary. I am aware they are often called for in various protocols, but I actually don't know what specific effect the vortexing has that makes it better than manual shaking. What do you think?