Micropipettes Why they are useful How they work How to care for them.
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Transcript of Micropipettes Why they are useful How they work How to care for them.
Micropipettes
Why they are usefulHow they work
How to care for them
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
Micropipettes have different volumes
• P20: 20 microliters (=20 uL) max vol.• P200: 200 uL max.• P1000: ____uL max vol = ______
Volumes adjustable with dial
Micropipettes have different volumes
• P20: 20 microliters (=20 uL) max vol.• P200: 200 uL max.• P1000: __20uL max vol = _1mL__
Volumes adjustable with dial
Parts of a mircopipette
1. Volume adjustment2. Tip ejector button3. Plunger4. Adjustment threads5. Volume indicator
window6. Tip ejector bracket7. Shaft8. Disposable tip
Pipette tips
• Different tips for different kinds of pipettes
• Micropipettes are never used without an appropriate tip
How micropipettors workPipettes have
two springs“First stop”:
calibrated volume
“Second stop”: maximum volume of pipette
What is the volume indicated?
What is the volume indicated?
6.84 uL 132.5 uL 264 uL=____mL
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 volumeC: Put tip into new tube and press plunger to SECOND
STOP, expelling liquidD: Remove tip from liquid BEFORE releasing plungerE: Release plunger and eject tip
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
What is wrong with this picture?
Pressing the tip ejector button
• Note: tip ejector doesn’t always work with certain tips