PM1PY2 Practical: Essential Lab Skills
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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of using a pipettor in the laboratory?

  • To dispense small volumes of liquid (correct)
  • To observe microscopic organisms
  • To mix different chemicals together
  • To measure temperature of liquids

Which pipettor is used to dispense volumes from 2-20 µL?

  • Pipetman P5000
  • Pipetman P20 (correct)
  • Pipetman P200
  • Pipetman P1000

What should be done to prevent liquids from running inside the shaft of a pipettor?

  • Keep the pipettor upright when in use (correct)
  • Use a larger volume pipette than necessary
  • Submerge the pipette tip in the liquid
  • Hold the pipettor horizontally while in use

Why should pipettors be treated carefully?

<p>They are expensive precision instruments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the pipettor volume range?

<p>Each pipettor should only be used for its specified volume range (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which color plunger button indicates the Pipetman P1000?

<p>Blue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are pipette tips generally organized for use?

<p>By color coding that matches the pipettor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum volume a Pipetman P5000 can dispense?

<p>5000 µL (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum magnification achievable with a light microscope using the oil immersion objective?

<p>1000 times (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the microscope is primarily responsible for illuminating the specimen?

<p>Illuminator (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of waiting until the centrifuge reaches the desired speed?

<p>To ensure safe operation of the machine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance at which two objects can be distinguished using a light microscope?

<p>200 nm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should you avoid touching the glass part of the microscope's objectives?

<p>It will cause scratches on the lenses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adjustment can be made to the speed of the centrifuge?

<p>Adjusting individual arrow buttons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When carrying a microscope, how should it be handled?

<p>Both hands: one on the frame and one under the base (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a mechanical stage used for in microscopy?

<p>Allowing precise movement at high magnification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to weigh chemicals on a balance?

<p>Plastic weighing boat or receptacle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct first step when using a balance?

<p>Press the 'Re-zero' or 'Tare' button (C), Switch on at the wall socket (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action should be avoided while weighing on a balance?

<p>Touching the balance or leaning on the bench (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is an appropriate method for using a vortex mixer?

<p>Holding the receptacle on top of the vortex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after placing the weighing boat on the balance?

<p>Press the 'Re-zero' or 'Tare' button (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a spectrophotometer in the lab?

<p>To measure light properties of solutions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What volume should the pipettor not be set to exceed?

<p>Maximum recommended volume (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When using a balance, what should be done if the display does not show zero after placing the weighing boat?

<p>Press the 'Re-zero' or 'Tare' button (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a spectrophotometer?

<p>To measure the absorbance of light at a specific wavelength (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What direction should the arrowhead on the cuvette point?

<p>In the same direction as the light beam (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of blanking the spectrophotometer?

<p>To set the measurement to zero using an identical solution without the analyte (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes how to adjust the wavelength on the spectrophotometer?

<p>Using up and down arrow keys on the user interface (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of sample is used to blank the spectrophotometer when measuring yeast absorbance?

<p>Yeast broth that does not contain any yeast (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of centrifuge is typically used for separating soluble from insoluble particles?

<p>Benchtop centrifuge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which wavelength is used to measure absorbance in the described spectrophotometer setup?

<p>660 nm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to get a centrifuge ready for use?

<p>Check that the centrifuge is plugged in and switched on (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After blanking the spectrophotometer with yeast broth, what is the next step?

<p>Insert the cuvette with the yeast suspension (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to ensure the centrifuge is loaded correctly?

<p>Balance the weights of the tubes directly opposite each other (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if the centrifuge is unbalanced?

<p>It can lead to dangerous and disastrous consequences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you secure the inside lid of the centrifuge?

<p>Press down until you hear a click (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the operation modes of the centrifuge?

<p>The machine operates in either rpm or g-force mode (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before loading the centrifuge?

<p>Check that the centrifuge is switched on (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component must be pressed to remove the inside lid of the centrifuge?

<p>A red button (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of loading the centrifuge?

<p>Weights can vary as long as they are evenly distributed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Pipettor

A precision instrument used to dispense small, precise volumes of liquid.

Volume Range

The minimum and maximum volume a pipettor can accurately dispense.

Pipettor Color Code

The color of the tip box matches the color of the pipettor's plunger button, indicating compatibility.

Pipetman P5000

A pipettor designed for volumes between 500 and 5000 µL, identified by a purple plunger button.

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Pipetman P1000

A pipettor designed for volumes between 100 and 1000 µL, identified by a blue plunger button.

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Pipetman P200

A pipettor designed for volumes between 20 and 200 µL, identified by a yellow plunger button.

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Pipetman P20

A pipettor designed for volumes between 2 and 20 µL, identified by a yellow plunger button, similar to the P200.

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Pipettor Care

Pipettors are expensive and delicate instruments, requiring careful handling and upright storage to prevent liquid contamination.

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Spectrophotometer

A device used to measure the absorbance of light at a specific wavelength by passing a beam of light through a solution and measuring the amount of light that passes through.

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Cuvette

A small, transparent container used to hold the solution being measured in a spectrophotometer.

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Wavelength

The distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave, particularly of light, which determines its color.

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Absorbance

The amount of light that a solution absorbs at a specific wavelength.

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Blanking the Spectrophotometer

Setting the spectrophotometer to zero using a cuvette containing the same solution used to create your sample (but without the substance being measured) to eliminate any background interference.

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Benchtop Centrifuge

A laboratory device used to separate different components of a mixture by spinning it at high speed, separating heavier components to the bottom.

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Soluble Particles

Particles that can dissolve in a liquid, creating a homogenous solution.

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Insoluble Particles

Particles that do not dissolve in a liquid and form a separate phase.

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Pipette Storage

Pipettes should always be returned to their designated carousel to prevent damage from being knocked over.

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Pipette Volume Limits

Never set a pipettor to dispense a volume outside its recommended range. This can damage the pipette.

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Using a Laboratory Balance

A balance is used for weighing chemicals. Chemicals should NEVER be weighed directly on the metal pan. Instead, use a weighing boat or receptacle.

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Taring the Balance

Before adding chemicals, press the "Re-zero" or "Tare" button to set the reading to zero. This ensures you are only weighing the chemical, not the container.

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Careful Balance Handling

Avoid touching, leaning on, or banging the balance during use. These actions will affect the reading.

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Vortex Mixer Function

A vortex is used to quickly and effectively mix small volumes of liquids or speed up the dissolving of chemicals.

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Vortex Mixer Operation

Place the container with your liquid or chemicals directly into the holder on top of the vortex and press down to start mixing.

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Spectrophotometer Function

A spectrophotometer measures how much light passes through or reflects off a solution. This helps us determine the concentration of substances in the solution.

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Centrifuge Loading

Placing tubes in a centrifuge in a balanced way, ensuring equal weight opposite each tube.

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Unbalanced Centrifuge

A centrifuge with tubes of unequal weight or not directly opposite each other, creating an uneven distribution of mass.

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Centrifuge Safety

Ensuring the centrifuge is balanced and operated correctly to prevent damage and injury.

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Centrifuge Speed Modes

Operating a centrifuge using revolutions per minute (rpm) or centrifugal force (g).

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Centrifuge Time Adjustment

Setting the duration of centrifugation using the control panel.

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Inside Lid

The lid that covers the centrifuge rotor and holds the tubes in place during spinning.

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Outside Lid

The external lid of the centrifuge that protects the user from potential hazards during operation.

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Centrifuge Power Button

The button located at the rear of the centrifuge used to switch the machine on and off.

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Centrifuge Speed Units

The speed of a centrifuge is measured in either revolutions per minute (min-1) or relative centrifugal force (RCF) measured in g (gravity).

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Centrifuge Control Panel

The control panel of a centrifuge allows you to set the desired speed, mode of operation (min-1 or g), and start the machine.

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Important Centrifuge Safety Precaution

Never leave a centrifuge unattended until it reaches your desired speed.

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Light Microscope Magnification

A light microscope can magnify an object up to 400-1000 times, depending on the objective lens used.

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Light Microscope Resolution

The resolution of a light microscope allows you to distinguish two objects as separate if they are at least 200 nanometers apart.

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Objectives (Microscope)

Objectives are the lenses in the microscope responsible for magnifying the specimen. A standard microscope has 5 objectives with different magnifications (4X, 10X, 20X, 40X and 100X). The 100X objective requires immersion oil.

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Immersion Oil (Microscope)

Immersion oil is used with the 100X objective lens to improve light transmission and image clarity.

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Microscope Care

Clean only the objectives with specialized lens cleaning paper. Don't touch the glass with fingers. Always keep the microscope covered when not in use and carry it with both hands for support.

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Study Notes

PM1PY2 Practical: Essential Laboratory Skills

  • This element of the course teaches students to use pipettors, balances, vortexes, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, and microscopes.
  • Students will develop essential practical skills, assessed in a practical test.
  • These skills will be further used in future practicals.

Using a Pipettor

  • Pipettors dispense liquid volumes from 0.2 µL to 5 mL (1 mL = 1000 µL).
  • Different pipettors are specific to certain volume ranges and should not be used outside those ranges.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a typical pipettor and its parts.
  • The Eppendorf pipettor is commonly used.
  • Different pipettors have different components and/or appearances.
  • Images of Eppendorf pipettors are shown in Figures 2-4.
    • Pipetman P5000: 500-5000 μL (purple plunger)
    • Pipetman P1000: 100-1000 μL (blue plunger)
    • Pipetman P200: 20-200 μL (yellow plunger)
    • Pipetman P20: 2-20 μL (yellow plunger)
  • Different pipettes use different tip sizes.
  • Tips come in color-coded boxes.
  • The specific tip boxes should be used with specific models of pipettors.
  • Figure 5 shows images of tip boxes.

Using a Pipettor (continued)

  • Pipettors should be treated with care as they are precision instruments.
  • Keep pipettors upright during use to prevent liquid from running inside the shaft.
  • Avoid placing pipettors on the workbench where they can be knocked off and damaged.
  • Do not set the pipettor to dispense a volume outside the recommended range.
  • A video on pipetting technique is available.
  • Additional resources on pipetting practice are available.

Use of a Balance

  • Balances are used to weigh chemicals.
  • Electronic balances are typically found in teaching labs.
  • Figure 6 shows a diagram of an electronic balance.
  • Chemicals should not be weighed directly onto the metal pan.
  • Use a plastic weighing boat or receptacle first.
  • Press the 'Re-zero' or 'Tare' button to reset the reading to zero before weighing.
  • Do not touch the balance during the procedure to avoid affecting readings.
  • Use interactive lab skills content for more information on using balances.

Use of a Vortex Mixer

  • Vortex mixers are used for mixing small volumes of liquids.
  • Figure 7 shows a diagram of a vortex and its parts.
  • Place the container containing the compounds to be mixed into the vortex holder.

Use of a Spectrophotometer

  • Spectrophotometers measure the transmissive or reflective properties of solutions based on wavelength.
  • Figure 8 shows a spectrophotometer image.
  • Solutions are placed in cuvettes.
  • Figure 9 displays a cuvette image.
  • Cuvettes are placed in the holder under the blue lid, with the arrowhead aligned with the light path.
  • Follow the procedure in Figures 10-12 on setting up the spectrophotometer to measure absorbance.
  • Blank the spectrophotometer with an identical "solution only" sample first.
  • Then measure the absorbance of the desired solution.

Use of a Benchtop Centrifuge

  • Centrifuges separate soluble and insoluble particles.
  • Figure 13 shows the back and front of the centrifuge.
  • Figure 14 shows the centrifuge's control panel.
  • Load tubes opposite each other with equal weight to prevent imbalance.
  • Figure 15 shows inside of centrifuge with lid.
  • Figure 16 shows loading diagram.
  • Unbalanced centrifuges can be dangerous and harmful.
  • A video can be found on unbalanced centrifuge consequences.

How To Adjust Centrifuge Time & Speed

  • Adjust centrifuge time using arrow buttons.
  • Adjust speed using arrow buttons - rpm or g. (See Figure 17, 18)
  • Wait until desired speed is reached before leaving machine unattended.

Use of a Light Microscope

  • Light microscopes magnify objects up to 400-1000 times.
  • Resolution of 200 nm allows for identification of objects.
  • Yeast cells and single bacteria can be viewed (approx. 5 or 1 μm, respectively).
  • Do not touch the glass parts of the objectives.
  • Cleaning should be done with special lens cleaning paper.
  • Always keep the microscope covered when not in use.
  • Carry the microscope with two hands.

Important Parts of the Microscope

  • Eyepiece (Ocular Lens): Magnifies the image.
  • Illuminator: Light source (LED or halogen).
  • Stage: Flat surface for slides with specimens.
  • Mechanical Stage (sometimes): Precisely moves the slide.
  • Objectives: Magnify the image.
  • Objective Turret: Holds objectives, changed by turning.
  • Condenser Lens: Collects and focuses light on the specimen.
  • Iris Diaphragm: Adjusts the amount of light.
  • Coarse and fine adjustment knobs: Focus the image.

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PM1PY2 Essential Laboratory Skills Pre-Reading Material PDF

Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of essential laboratory skills, focusing on the use of pipettors, balances, vortexes, and other equipment. It is crucial for students to master these skills for practical tests and future experiments. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge through practical applications.

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