30 Questions
What should you do after using lab items in the cell and molecular lab?
Place lab items back on carts and trays
Why is it important to wear appropriate eye protection when using UV lamps?
To prevent acute eye irritation from UV exposure
Which chemical used in labs for DNA visualization is carcinogenic?
Ethidium Bromide
What can exposure to ultraviolet light cause?
Acute eye irritation
Why should you cover the buffer reservoirs during electrophoresis?
To prevent accidents due to electrocution
What formula is used for calculating the number of moles in a solution?
$n(mole)= C(mole/L) x V(L)$
How much NaCl is needed to make 100 ml of a 5M NaCl solution?
29.29 g
What is the purpose of preparing enzyme buffers as concentrated solutions like 5X or 10X?
To be able to dilute them later to achieve a desired final concentration
What is the main function of an Autoclave in a laboratory setting?
To sterilize equipment and supplies using high-pressure saturated steam
Which condition is necessary when autoclaving solutions?
Ensure steam reaches a temperature between 121-150°C
What does the formula Ci x Vi = Cf x Vf help calculate?
Volume of stock solution needed to prepare a desired solution
Why are enzyme buffers often prepared as concentrated solutions before dilution?
To facilitate dilution to achieve the final desired concentration
What is the purpose of filter sterilization in a laboratory setting?
To sterilize solutions that are heat-labile or volatile
Why should glassware and plastic ware be scrupulously clean in a laboratory setting?
To inhibit reactions or degrade nucleic acid
Which method is recommended for treating glassware and plastic ware before use in experiments involving RNA?
Treating with diethyl-pyrocarbonate (DEPC H2O)
Which type of plastic ware is often supplied sterile in laboratories?
Pipets and culture tubes
Why is it important for glassware and plastic ware to be autoclaved or baked before use in experiments?
To avoid inhibition of reactions or degradation of nucleic acid
When should filter sterilization be preferred over autoclaving for sterilizing solutions in a laboratory?
When the solution is not heat-labile or volatile
Why should you make sure that the tubes used in an experiment are resistant to the chemicals?
To prevent chemical reactions that could affect the experiment
What should you do before using a micropipette?
Read the specific volumes it is designed for
Why is it important to use buffers with a pH meter?
To stabilize the pH for accurate measurements
What should you allow the spectrophotometer to calibrate with before taking measurements?
Blank solution
In which scenario would a spectrophotometer be used?
Determining protein concentration in tissue samples
Which type of tube is resistant to many chemicals and turbid in appearance?
Polypropylene tubes
Why is lab safety important?
To ensure students do not injure themselves
Which of the following is NOT recommended lab attire?
Open-toed shoes
What should you do if an accident occurs in the lab?
Report it to the teacher immediately
Which of the following is NOT a lab safety symbol mentioned?
Water
What should you do before and after using a lab bench?
Wipe it down with disinfectant
Which of the following is NOT part of lab attire?
Jewelry
Study Notes
Lab Safety
- Lab safety is crucial to prevent injuries and ensure a safe learning environment.
- Key rules include:
- Following teacher's directions and only doing lab work under supervision.
- Conducting oneself in a responsible manner and avoiding horseplay.
- Not touching equipment, chemicals, or materials without permission.
- Not eating or drinking in the lab, and not using lab glassware for food/beverages.
- Reporting all accidents to the teacher immediately.
Lab Attire and Safety Equipment
- Lab attire includes:
- Lab coats
- Goggles/safety glasses
- Gloves
- Closed-toed shoes
- Safety equipment includes:
- Safety showers
- Eye wash stations
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire blankets
- Fume hoods
- Biosafety cabinets
Lab Safety Symbols
- Various symbols indicate different hazards, including:
- Glassware
- Electrical
- Heat
- Animal
- Eye and face
- Chemical
- Sharps
- Fire
- Flammable
- Irritant
- Explosive
- Corrosive
- Toxic/Poison
- Environmental
Laboratory Etiquette and Chemical Hazards
- Good laboratory etiquette includes:
- Cleaning personal workspace after use
- Wiping down benches with disinfectant
- Ensuring no trash is left behind
- Not disposing of trash in sinks
- Pushing in chairs
- Placing lab items back on carts and trays
- Chemical hazards include:
- Phenol (causes severe burns)
- Acrylamide (potential neurotoxin)
- Ethidium Bromide (carcinogenic)
Safety Considerations in Cell and Molecular Lab
- Key safety considerations include:
- Chemicals
- UltraViolet light (can cause acute eye irritation)
- Electricity (can cause electrocution)
Preparation of Solutions
- Formulae for preparing solutions include:
- n(mole) = C(mole/L) x V(L)
- n(mole) = m(g)/M(g/mole)
- Percentage (w/v) = weight (g) /100 ml of solution
- Percentage (v/v) = volume (ml) /100 ml of solution
- Ci x Vi = Cf x Vf
Sterilizing Solutions
- Methods for sterilizing solutions include:
- Autoclave (uses high pressure saturated steam at 121-150°C for 20 minutes)
- Filter sterilization (for heat-labile, volatile, or small volume solutions)
Equipment Used in Cell and Molecular Biology Lab
- Key equipment includes:
- Glassware and plastic ware
- Micropipettors
- pH meters
- Spectrophotometers
Glassware and Plastic Ware
- Glassware and plastic ware must be scrupulously clean and free of contaminants.
- Techniques for preparing glassware include:
- Rinsing with distilled water and autoclaving or baking at 150°C for 1 hour.
- Treating with diethyl-pyrocarbonate (DEPC H2O) for RNA experiments.
Operating Instructions for Equipment
- Micropipettors: read the device before using it and ensure correct volume.
- pH Meter: calibrate with two solutions that bracket the target pH (4 and 10).
- Spectrophotometer: calibrate with a blank, read absorbance at the desired wavelength, and use for applications such as protein concentration and cell viability assays.
Test your knowledge on preparing different types of solutions for laboratory experiments. Learn how to calculate the amount of solute needed, dilution factors, and concentrations of solutions. Practice examples involving making Molarity solutions, percentage solutions, and preparing enzyme buffers.
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