1. Micropipettes Why they are useful How they work How to care for them

2. Micropipettes are essential equipment in a modern biology lab For moving liquids from container to container Can measure tiny volumes, very precisely Come in a variety of sizes All require special disposable tips They are fragile and expensive

3. Micropipettes have different volumes P20: 20 microliters (=20 uL) max vol. P200: 200 uL max. P1000: ____uL max vol = ______ Volumes adjustable with dial

4. Micropipettes have different volumes P20: 20 microliters (=20 uL) max vol. P200: 200 uL max. P1000: __20uL max vol = _1mL__ Volumes adjustable with dial

5. Parts of a mircopipette 1.Volume adjustment 2.Tip ejector button 3.Plunger 4.Adjustment threads 5.Volume indicator window 6.Tip ejector bracket 7.Shaft 8.Disposable tip

6. Pipette tips Different tips for different kinds of pipettes Micropipettes are never used without an appropriate tip

7. How micropipettors work Pipettes have two springs “First stop”: calibrated volume “Second stop”: maximum volume of pipette

8. What is the volume indicated?

9. 6.84 uL132.5 uL 264 uL=____mL

10. How to use the pipette A: Press plunger down to FIRST STOP BEFORE putting in liquid (make sure you adjusted to the right volume!) B: Release plunger slowly, taking up correct volume C: Put tip into new tube and press plunger to SECOND STOP, expelling liquid D: Remove tip from liquid BEFORE releasing plunger E: Release plunger and eject tip

11. How to take care of the pipettes Never use a pipette without a tip Never adjust a pipettor beyond its maximum (or minimum) volume range Never place a pipet on its side with liquid in the tip

12. What is wrong with this picture?

13. Pressing the tip ejector button Note: tip ejector doesn’t always work with certain tips