Tools of a Biologist

Dissecting Microscope Microscopes Electron Microscope Light Microscope Dissecting Microscope

Separating Molecules Centrifuge Chromatography Gel Electrophoresis

Mixing Liquids Lab Blender Vortex Mixer Magnetic Stirrer

Measuring Length

Metric ruler, Meter Stick, Measuring Tape

Measuring mass

Weighing boats & weighing paper

Balance Steps: 1. Press ON 2. Place Weighing Boat/Weighing Paper/Beaker on the balance Press ZERO (Tare) 4. Wait for the reading to stabilize and record 5. Leave the balance on until the end of the lab

Measuring Volume

Beakers & Flasks PROS: Measure large volumes quickly Great for storage Good for chemical reactions CONS: VERY Inaccurate

Always use a test tube rack Test tubes PROS: Great for small-scale chemical reactions or for preparing small volumes of chemicals CONS: No measurement Very fragile Always use a test tube rack

Graduated cylinders PROS: Accurate Measurements CONS: Not for chemical reactions Reading meniscus can be challenging Fragile

Beral Pipettes (Transfer Pipettes) PROS: Fairly Accurate Disposable CONS: Can be hard to measure precisely 1mL 0.75mL 0.5mL 0.25mL

Serological Pipettes (graduated Pipettes) PROS: Very Accurate Measurements Disposable CONS: Can be cumbersome and requires good manual dexterity

How to use a Pipette Pump Plunger Thumb Wheel Release Lever Steps: Firmly insert the flat end of the pipette into the pump 1mL Pipette = Green Pump 5mL, 10mL, 25mL Pipettes = Pink Pump Place the tip of the pipette into the liquid being measured Rotate thumb wheel down to draw up the correct volume Measurements are done at eye level Your other hand should support the pipette Press and hold the release lever to dispense the liquid in the desired container Rotate the thumb wheel up to dispense any remaining liquid DO NOT LEAVE THE PUMP ON THE PIPETTE!!!!!

Micropipettes PROS: Very Accurate Small Measurements Disposable Tips CONS: Can be cumbersome and requires good manual dexterity