Biology Lab Safety and Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step to take in case of a spill in the laboratory?

Clean it up using a wet towel.

Alert your instructor and contain the spill if possible. (correct)

Leave the area immediately.

Use your hands to contain the spill.

It is acceptable to dispose of broken glass in regular trash bins.

False

What is the purpose of using oil immersion with a microscope?

To increase resolution by minimizing light refraction.

The __________ adjustment knob is used for precise focusing with higher magnification.

Fine Signup and view all the answers

Match the microscope parts with their functions:

Condenser = Focuses light onto the specimen Objectives = Lenses for magnification Stage = Holds the slide Ocular Lenses = Magnify the image Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be disposed of in biohazard waste containers?

Used gloves Signup and view all the answers

The coarse adjustment knob should be used for initial focusing with lower magnification.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating total magnification in a microscope?

Objective magnification × Ocular magnification Signup and view all the answers

Which type of microscope is commonly used to provide a clear image of stained specimens?

Brightfield Signup and view all the answers

Agar melts at higher temperatures than the temperatures used in an incubator.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of autoclaving in laboratory settings?

Sterilization Signup and view all the answers

In order to convert 5 mL to µL, you should multiply by _____.

1000 Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of hemolysis with their descriptions:

Alpha = Partial hemolysis Beta = Complete hemolysis Gamma = No hemolysis None = No effect on red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a parfocal microscope?

Maintains focus when changing objectives Signup and view all the answers

Rich media contains complex ingredients, while defined media has known specific nutrient amounts.

True Signup and view all the answers

A selective medium like MacConkey is selective for _____.

Gram-negative bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lab Safety

Ensure immediate reporting and containment for spills; use appropriate kits for cleaning.
Broken glass must be handled carefully with a dustpan and disposed of in sharps containers.
Laboratory safety is crucial for preventing accidents, protecting personnel, and ensuring accurate results.
Dispose of biohazard waste such as petri dishes and gloves properly; not all paper towels are treated the same way.
A 10% bleach solution is effective for disinfecting biological spills.

Microscopes

The condenser focuses light onto specimens, while various objective lenses offer different magnifications (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x).
The stage supports slides, and knobs allow for initial coarse adjustments and precise fine-tuning of focus.
Microscope care involves using lens paper for cleaning and carrying by the base, while turning off requires lowering the stage and covering it.
Oil immersion is specifically applied to the 100x objective to enhance resolution by reducing light refraction.
Total magnification is calculated as the product of objective magnification and ocular magnification.
Parfocal lenses keep the image in focus while switching objectives, which is important for microscopy.
Types of microscopes include darkfield (contrast for transparent specimens), brightfield (clear images of stained specimens), and phase contrast (enhanced contrast for unstained specimens).
A compound microscope utilizes multiple lenses for higher magnification, distinguishing it from simpler models.

Unit Conversion

Standard conversion: 1000 µL equals 1 mL.
To convert mL to µL, multiply by 1000; to convert µL to mL, divide by 1000.

Culture Media

Agar serves as the main component of culture media, providing a solid surface conducive to microbial growth.
Different agar concentrations include no agar for broths, 1.5-2% for plates, and 1-1.5% for slants.
Essential macronutrients in culture media are carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O).
Rich media (complex) include ingredients like yeast extract; defined media contain precise, known nutrient amounts.
Sterilization typically requires autoclaving at 121°C and 15 psi for 15-20 minutes.
Selective media, such as MacConkey and CNA, cater to specific bacterial growth while differential media indicate biochemical properties, like lactose fermentation.
Hemolysis categories include alpha (partial), beta (complete), and gamma (none), each associated with specific bacterial species.
Agar remains solid at incubator temperatures (40°C), unlike gelatin, ensuring viability for microbial growth.
Phototrophs, such as Cyanobacteria, derive energy from light, highlighting diverse nutritional strategies among bacteria.

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Description

This quiz covers essential lab safety rules, proper use of microscopes, unit conversion methods, culture media, inoculation techniques, and the nomenclature of bacteria. Ensure you understand these topics to perform safely and effectively in the laboratory environment.