Laboratory Safety and Reporting Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

• Wear a lab coat and safety glasses at all times.
• Hair must be covered when handling flammable materials.
• Use gloves and protective gear based on experiment requirements.
• Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes to minimize skin exposure to chemicals.
• Clothing made of synthetic fibers should be avoided due to high flammability risks.
• Protective glasses are essential to shield eyes from chemicals and gases.
• Jewelry and adornments, such as chains or rings, should not be worn during lab activities to prevent accidents.

Writing a Laboratory Report

• Introduction: State the experiment's name and its purpose.
• Method: Document the experimental steps in the past tense, closely following the practical manual.
• Discussion and Conclusion: Analyze results thoughtfully without merely repeating them. Formulate relevant questions in the introduction to guide the discussion. Ensure the discussion is engaging and has a clear purpose.
• Data Presentation: Use tables or graphical forms for presenting results, ensuring they are numbered, titled, and include standardized concentrations.

Equipment Used in Enzyme Laboratory

• Centrifuge:
  • Separates fluids based on density by spinning at high speeds.
  • Commonly used to purify cells, organelles, viruses, proteins, and nucleic acids in various research types.
  • Available in different types, including large floor models and micro-centrifuges.

Operating a Centrifuge

• Insert test tube samples into designated portals.

• Add water-filled test tubes as needed for balance.

• Secure the lid and select appropriate settings.

• Start the centrifuge and await the completion of the cycle.

• pH Meter:

  • Measures the concentration of H+ ions in a solution, indicating its acidity or alkalinity.
  • The meter needs to be calibrated; immerse the electrode in distilled water before transitioning to a buffer solution (pH = 7).