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What is the purpose of using a pipettor in the laboratory?
What is the purpose of using a pipettor in the laboratory?
Which pipettor is used to dispense volumes from 2-20 µL?
Which pipettor is used to dispense volumes from 2-20 µL?
What should be done to prevent liquids from running inside the shaft of a pipettor?
What should be done to prevent liquids from running inside the shaft of a pipettor?
Why should pipettors be treated carefully?
Why should pipettors be treated carefully?
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What is a key characteristic of the pipettor volume range?
What is a key characteristic of the pipettor volume range?
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Which color plunger button indicates the Pipetman P1000?
Which color plunger button indicates the Pipetman P1000?
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How are pipette tips generally organized for use?
How are pipette tips generally organized for use?
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What is the maximum volume a Pipetman P5000 can dispense?
What is the maximum volume a Pipetman P5000 can dispense?
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What is the maximum magnification achievable with a light microscope using the oil immersion objective?
What is the maximum magnification achievable with a light microscope using the oil immersion objective?
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Which part of the microscope is primarily responsible for illuminating the specimen?
Which part of the microscope is primarily responsible for illuminating the specimen?
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What is the significance of waiting until the centrifuge reaches the desired speed?
What is the significance of waiting until the centrifuge reaches the desired speed?
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What is the minimum distance at which two objects can be distinguished using a light microscope?
What is the minimum distance at which two objects can be distinguished using a light microscope?
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Why should you avoid touching the glass part of the microscope's objectives?
Why should you avoid touching the glass part of the microscope's objectives?
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What adjustment can be made to the speed of the centrifuge?
What adjustment can be made to the speed of the centrifuge?
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When carrying a microscope, how should it be handled?
When carrying a microscope, how should it be handled?
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What is a mechanical stage used for in microscopy?
What is a mechanical stage used for in microscopy?
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What should be used to weigh chemicals on a balance?
What should be used to weigh chemicals on a balance?
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What is the correct first step when using a balance?
What is the correct first step when using a balance?
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What action should be avoided while weighing on a balance?
What action should be avoided while weighing on a balance?
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Which is an appropriate method for using a vortex mixer?
Which is an appropriate method for using a vortex mixer?
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What should be done after placing the weighing boat on the balance?
What should be done after placing the weighing boat on the balance?
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What is the primary function of a spectrophotometer in the lab?
What is the primary function of a spectrophotometer in the lab?
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What volume should the pipettor not be set to exceed?
What volume should the pipettor not be set to exceed?
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When using a balance, what should be done if the display does not show zero after placing the weighing boat?
When using a balance, what should be done if the display does not show zero after placing the weighing boat?
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What is the primary purpose of a spectrophotometer?
What is the primary purpose of a spectrophotometer?
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What direction should the arrowhead on the cuvette point?
What direction should the arrowhead on the cuvette point?
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What is the significance of blanking the spectrophotometer?
What is the significance of blanking the spectrophotometer?
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Which of the following describes how to adjust the wavelength on the spectrophotometer?
Which of the following describes how to adjust the wavelength on the spectrophotometer?
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What type of sample is used to blank the spectrophotometer when measuring yeast absorbance?
What type of sample is used to blank the spectrophotometer when measuring yeast absorbance?
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What type of centrifuge is typically used for separating soluble from insoluble particles?
What type of centrifuge is typically used for separating soluble from insoluble particles?
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Which wavelength is used to measure absorbance in the described spectrophotometer setup?
Which wavelength is used to measure absorbance in the described spectrophotometer setup?
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What is the first step to get a centrifuge ready for use?
What is the first step to get a centrifuge ready for use?
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After blanking the spectrophotometer with yeast broth, what is the next step?
After blanking the spectrophotometer with yeast broth, what is the next step?
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What should be done to ensure the centrifuge is loaded correctly?
What should be done to ensure the centrifuge is loaded correctly?
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What could happen if the centrifuge is unbalanced?
What could happen if the centrifuge is unbalanced?
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How do you secure the inside lid of the centrifuge?
How do you secure the inside lid of the centrifuge?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the operation modes of the centrifuge?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the operation modes of the centrifuge?
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What should be done before loading the centrifuge?
What should be done before loading the centrifuge?
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What component must be pressed to remove the inside lid of the centrifuge?
What component must be pressed to remove the inside lid of the centrifuge?
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Which of the following is NOT a feature of loading the centrifuge?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of loading the centrifuge?
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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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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.
