Important Tools in Biology

1. Centrifuge Used to separate the parts of the cell by spinning it around a solution and separating it into several layers according to weight Used to separate the parts of the cell by spinning it around a solution and separating it into several layers according to weight

2. Microdissection apparatus Used to control the movement of a variety of tiny instruments that enable a biology to work on cells or other very small specimens

3. Computers Help collect, store and analyze data Help collect, store and analyze data

4. Microscopes Produces greatly magnified images, pictures, or even videotapes Produces greatly magnified images, pictures, or even videotapes Microscopes operate on two basic principles: resolution (the ability to make objects or specimens visible) and magnification power (the ability to magnify or enlarge an object) Microscopes operate on two basic principles: resolution (the ability to make objects or specimens visible) and magnification power (the ability to magnify or enlarge an object)

Types of Microscopes Simple microscope – also known as a magnifying glass and consists of a single lens Simple microscope – also known as a magnifying glass and consists of a single lens Light microscope – uses light to produce an enlarged view of an object Light microscope – uses light to produce an enlarged view of an object Compound microscope – uses two lenses. One lens produces an enlarged image that is further magnified by the second lens Compound microscope – uses two lenses. One lens produces an enlarged image that is further magnified by the second lens

Types of Microscopes Electron microscopee – uses streams of electrons that bend in much the same way as beams of light are bent by glass lenses Electron microscopee – uses streams of electrons that bend in much the same way as beams of light are bent by glass lenses Phase-contrast microscope – a special type of compound microscope. It allows details within living organisms to be seen without staining Phase-contrast microscope – a special type of compound microscope. It allows details within living organisms to be seen without staining Stereomicroscope or binocular microscope – a type of light microscope used in studying the surface or external structure of specimens. Stereomicroscope or binocular microscope – a type of light microscope used in studying the surface or external structure of specimens.

Common Laboratory Techniques in Biology Fixation – soaking of a specimen in a fixative like formaldehyde after cutting it into small pieces Fixation – soaking of a specimen in a fixative like formaldehyde after cutting it into small pieces Mounting – placing of a specimen on a slide for investigation Mounting – placing of a specimen on a slide for investigation Embedding – placing of a fixed specimen in wax or plastic so that it can be easily sliced Embedding – placing of a fixed specimen in wax or plastic so that it can be easily sliced

Common Laboratory Techniques in Biology Sectioning – slicing of an embedded specimen into very thin cuts by a microscope Sectioning – slicing of an embedded specimen into very thin cuts by a microscope Staining – coloring of specimens to bring out more details in a specific cell or in tissue structures Staining – coloring of specimens to bring out more details in a specific cell or in tissue structures Centrifugation – use of centrifuge to spin suspended materials in a liquid so as to collect these materials by fractions or layers Centrifugation – use of centrifuge to spin suspended materials in a liquid so as to collect these materials by fractions or layers

Common Laboratory Techniques in Biology Microdissection – use of tiny instruments to perform various operations on living cells; done under a microscope Microdissection – use of tiny instruments to perform various operations on living cells; done under a microscope Chromatography – separation and analysis of complex chemical mixtures. Color comparison is usually its basis. Chromatography – separation and analysis of complex chemical mixtures. Color comparison is usually its basis. Electrophoresis – separation of substances composed of particles with electric charges Electrophoresis – separation of substances composed of particles with electric charges

Common Laboratory Techniques in Biology Spectrophotometry – use of light to analyze samples to determine what a substance is and how much of it is present in a sample Spectrophotometry – use of light to analyze samples to determine what a substance is and how much of it is present in a sample Cell and tissue culture – technique used to maintain living cells or tissues in a tissue culture outside the body. Cell and tissue culture – technique used to maintain living cells or tissues in a tissue culture outside the body.