Aim: To study the Introduction of the Apparatus used in the Biochemistry Lab or Any other Lab.
Reference: Plummer T David, Practical, Biochemistry Tata Megraw
Hill 3rd Edition, Page No. 80
– 90.
Requirement:
(i) Apparatus: Test Tube, Beaker, Conical Flask, Spirit Lamp, Test tube Holder, Funnel, Spatula, Measuring
Cylinder, Glass Rod, Bunsen Burner.
(1) Test Tube:
In Biochemistry, A test tube is a cylindrical
container made of glass or plastic, used to hold and mix small quantities of
liquids for chemical reactions or analysis. Test Tube is commonly used in
laboratories for various purposes such as storing, heating, and centrifuging
liquids as well as conducting qualitative and quantitative.
Test Tubes come in different
sizes and shapes ranging from microcentrifuge tubes to larger tubes, used for
sample preparation or storage.
(2) Beaker:
Beakers are one of the most commonly used laboratory equipment in biochemistry. These are cylindrical containers with a flat bottom and a spout, used for mixing, heating, and holding liquids. Beakers come in a variety of sizes and are typically made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel.
In biochemistry, beakers are
used for a wide range of applications, including preparing and storing
solutions, measuring liquids, and performing reactions. They are often used in
conjunction with other laboratory equipment such as stirrers, hot plates, and
thermometers.
Beakers are a versatile and
essential tool in biochemistry and are widely used in both research and
educational settings. They are relatively inexpensive and come in a range of
sizes, making them suitable for a variety of applications. However, it's
important to note that beakers are not always suitable for accurate
measurements, as they do not have precise volume markings, and thus, other
equipment such as graduated cylinders or volumetric flasks may be needed for
accurate measurements.
(3) Conical Flask:
A conical flask, also known as an Erlenmeyer flask, is a common laboratory glassware used in biochemistry experiments. It is named after its inventor, Emil Erlenmeyer, a German chemist who designed it in the late 19th century.
Conical flasks are typically
made of borosilicate glass, which is resistant to heat and chemical reactions.
They have a conical shape with a flat base, a narrow neck, and a lip that
allows for easy pouring and prevents spillage. The shape of the flask is designed
to allow for easy swirling of liquids, which is useful in many biochemical
applications, such as mixing and diluting solutions.
In biochemistry, conical
flasks are commonly used for culturing microorganisms, preparing solutions, and
mixing reagents. They are also used for heating liquids over a Bunsen burner or
other heat source, as the conical shape allows for even heating and prevents
boiling over.
Conical flasks come in
various sizes, ranging from small ones that can hold a few milliliters of liquid
to larger ones that can hold several liters. They are essential laboratory
glassware for any biochemistry experiment and are commonly found in biology and
chemistry labs
(4) Spirit Lamp:
A spirit lamp, also known as an alcohol lamp, is a type of lamp commonly used in biochemistry for heating and sterilizing small objects and instruments. It consists of a container, usually made of glass, which holds a small amount of alcohol or other liquid fuel. The container is fitted with a wick that is ignited to produce a flame, which can be used to heat objects or to sterilize them by passing them through the flame.
In biochemistry, spirit lamps
are commonly used for a range of applications, including sterilizing
inoculating loops or needles before use, heating test tubes or other small
containers, and performing flame tests for the identification of certain
chemical elements. They are particularly useful for tasks that require gentle
or precise heating, as the flame produced by a spirit lamp is relatively small
and controllable.
Overall, spirit lamps are a
simple but essential tool in many biochemistry labs, providing a convenient and
effective way to sterilize and heat small objects and instruments.
(5) Test Tube Holder:
A test tube holder is an essential tool in biochemistry labs that is used to securely hold test tubes containing samples during experiments. It is made of materials such as plastic, metal or wood, and can hold multiple test tubes at once.
The holder is designed to
provide stability to the test tubes while keeping them upright and preventing
them from falling over or rolling away. This is especially important when
working with hazardous or delicate samples, as it prevents spills and breakage.
Test tube holders come in
various shapes and sizes, including those with individual slots for each tube,
those with adjustable clamps, and those with a circular design that can hold
several tubes at once. They are an indispensable tool in any biochemistry lab,
where they facilitate the safe and efficient handling of test tubes during
experiments.
(6) Funnel:
In biochemistry labs, funnels are used as a laboratory tools for pouring liquids from one container to another with minimal spillage. A funnel is a conical-shaped instrument with a narrow stem at the bottom that can fit into small openings. It is typically made of glass or plastic and comes in various sizes.
In addition to pouring
liquids, funnels can be used for filtering liquids or solids by placing filter
paper inside the funnel. This technique is commonly used to separate solid
components from a mixture or solution.
In summary, funnels are an
essential tool in biochemistry labs as they help to minimize spills and
facilitate the transfer of liquids or solids between containers.
(7) Spatula:
A spatula is a laboratory tool commonly used in biochemistry to measure, transfer, or mix small quantities of solid or semi-solid materials. It is usually made of stainless steel or other non-reactive materials to avoid contamination of the sample or the reaction mixture.
Spatulas come in different
shapes and sizes, but the most common type is the flat, spoon-like blade
attached to a handle. The blade may have a straight edge or a curved one, and
it may be tapered or rounded at the tip.
In biochemistry, spatulas are
used for a variety of tasks, such as weighing powders or crystals, transferring
small amounts of solids or liquids, and scraping precipitates or residues from
reaction vessels. They are also useful for mixing reagents or spreading samples
on microscope slides.
To avoid cross-contamination,
spatulas should be cleaned and sterilized before and after each use. They can
be washed with soap and water, soaked in a disinfectant solution, or heated to
high temperatures to ensure complete sterilization.
(8) Measuring Cylinder:
Measuring cylinders are commonly used in biochemistry to measure and dispense liquids accurately. They are generally made of glass or plastic, with a cylindrical shape and a narrow spout for pouring. Measuring cylinders are graduated with markings, indicating the volume of liquid that they can hold, and these markings are typically accurate to within 0.1 ml.
To use a measuring cylinder,
the cylinder is first placed on a level surface, and the liquid to be measured
is added slowly and carefully, so as not to spill or splash. The cylinder
should be filled to the desired level, and any excess liquid should be wiped
away from the outside of the cylinder. The volume of liquid is then read from
the markings on the cylinder, taking into account the meniscus (the curve at
the surface of the liquid).
Measuring cylinders are
commonly used in biochemistry for a wide range of applications, such as
measuring reagents and solvents, preparing solutions of known concentration,
and measuring the volume of biological samples for analysis. Accurate
measurement is essential in these applications to ensure reliable and
reproducible results.
(9) Glass Rod:
Glass rods are commonly used in biochemistry for a variety of purposes, including mixing solutions and transferring small amounts of liquids. They are typically made of borosilicate glass, which is resistant to thermal shock and chemical reactions, making it an ideal material for laboratory use.
In biochemistry, glass rods
are often used to mix reagents in test tubes or other containers. By stirring
or swirling the mixture with a glass rod, researchers can ensure that the
reagents are thoroughly mixed and react with each other uniformly.
Glass rods can also be used
to transfer small amounts of liquids, such as when adding a drop of reagent to
a test tube. By dipping the glass rod into the reagent and then carefully
placing it into the test tube, researchers can add precise amounts of liquid
without risking contamination or spills.
Overall, glass rods are a
simple but essential tool in biochemistry laboratories, allowing researchers to
carry out precise measurements and manipulations of liquids.
(10) Bunsen Burner:
A Bunsen burner is a common laboratory tool used in biochemistry for heating and sterilization purposes. It consists of a metal tube attached to a gas line, with an adjustable air vent near the bottom and a burner at the end. The gas is ignited at the burner, producing a blue flame that can be adjusted to vary the temperature.
Biochemists use Bunsen
burners to heat liquids, sterilize instruments and media, and perform various
other laboratory procedures that require controlled heat. They are often used
in conjunction with test tubes, beakers, and other laboratory glassware to
create the desired reaction or reaction conditions.
Bunsen burners are essential
in biochemistry laboratories because they provide a reliable source of heat and
can be easily adjusted to meet specific experimental requirements. Proper
handling and use of Bunsen burners are necessary to ensure safety in the
laboratory, as they produce an open flame that can be dangerous if not used
correctly.
Result:Study of the Apparatus is completed.