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Micropipettes. Why they are useful How 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
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Micropipettes Why they are useful How 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 • Volume adjustment • Tip ejector button • Plunger • Adjustment threads • Volume indicator window • Tip ejector bracket • Shaft • Disposable tip
Pipette tips • Different tips for different kinds of pipettes • Micropipettes are never used without an appropriate tip
How micropipettors work Pipettes have two springs “First stop”: calibrated volume “Second stop”: maximum volume of pipette
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 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
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
Pressing the tip ejector button • Note: tip ejector doesn’t always work with certain tips