Biotechnology and Safety

10.01: Describe the proper name of, and use for, common biotechnology laboratory equipmentBiotechnology Lab EquipmentLaboratory Equipment - SuppliesAutoclaveCentrifuge MicrocentrifugeMicropipetteCompound Light MicroscopeIncubatorWater BathHot PlatePetri DishAgarose Gel - AgarGraduated Cylinder

ShakerGel Electrophoresis ChamberGel Electrophoresis Power SourceWhite Light BoxCentrifuge TubesPipette TipsInoculating TubeDNA Loading DyeBuffer

Laboratory EquipmentAutoclaveChamber that uses high levels of heat and pressure to sterilize instruments and materialsDestroys harmful organisms and pathogensOne of the simplest looks a great deal like a pressure cooker. It is a large pot with a gauge on top and bolts that fasten the top to the pot. The idea behind this is that water inside a pressurized container can be heated above the boiling point. It will only reach 212F (100C) in an open container. However, in a pressurized autoclave, the water will reach much higher temperatures.

Laboratory EquipmentCentrifuge instrument used to isolate solids (in the form of a small pellet) from a solution.This is done by spinning closed containers of the mixture very quickly around a fixed, central point. The centrifugal force generated by this motion forces the denser material in the suspension against the walls of the containera. Utilizes very small tubes to hold solution.

Laboratory EquipmentMicropipette instrument used to measure and extract very small amounts of liquid from a solution.a. Different versions measure to different levels of accuracy, but usually to the nearest uL (micro Liter).b. Often used to hand small amounts of solution needed in DNA labs.

Laboratory EquipmentCompound Light Microscopethe most common and versatile microscope in agricultural research labs.a. Uses a light source in combination with a variety of lenses to magnify images usually up to no more than 200x.

Laboratory EquipmentIncubatorsealed chamber with controls to manage temperature (and sometimes humidity)- used for the culture of microorganisms.

Laboratory EquipmentWater Bathvessel that uses water to heat or maintain a constant temperature of laboratory materials or equipmentOften used to heat or thaw fragile biological substances including semen

Laboratory EquipmentHot Plateinstrument that applies direct heat to glassware containing laboratory solutions. Coil models (like stove tops) are dangerous-newer models have ceramic tops and often integrated magnetic stirrers.

Laboratory EquipmentPetri Dishtype of glass or plastic shallow round dish with a close fitting lid most well known for holding a culture medium upon which cells, bacteria, and viruses can be grown and studied

Laboratory EquipmentAgarose Gel Agara substance that is used in science for gel electrophoresis The medium is composed of a purified agarose powder that has been boiled in a buffer solution and then cooled into a gel.

Laboratory EquipmentGraduated Cylindera measuring instrument for measuring fluid volume; a glass container (cup or cylinder or flask) whose sides are marked with or divided into amounts

Laboratory EquipmentShakerused to mix or agitate small volumes of solution, often prior to placement in a centrifuge.

Laboratory EquipmentGel Electrophoresis ChamberDuring DNA electrophoresis DNA and restriction enzymes are inserted into the wells of a agarose gel. The agarose gel is then placed into a electrophoresis chamber along with a buffer (the buffer keeps the DNA fragments soluble in water). The electrophoresis chamber has a electrical charge running through it that carries the DNA fragments through the gel

Laboratory EquipmentGel Electrophoresis Power SourceThe actual power source that sends an electric charge through the chamber, causing the DNA to run and break into smaller visible fragments

Laboratory EquipmentWhite Light BoxA UV light box that is used under a DNA gel in order to better determine and detect DNA fragments

Laboratory EquipmentCentrifuge TubesA tapered and specially-engineered test tube specifically for centrifuge work, designed to resist the high G-forces induced by the centrifugal forces. They are mainly used in medical work to centrifuge human blood for test purposes

Laboratory EquipmentPipette TipsDisposable tips used to protect the micropipetter from contaminationThese tips are used and disposed of after EACH use in order to prevent contamination and reduce clean up and sterilization

Laboratory EquipmentInoculating Tube Loopis a simple tool used mainly by microbiologists to retrieve an inoculum from a culture of microorganisms. The loop is used in the cultivation of microbes on plates by transferring inoculum for streaking.

Laboratory EquipmentDNA Loading DyeFirst, loading dye is meant to help weigh down the DNA, so that it can sink into the bottom of the wells and not float in the buffer solutionloading dye moves more quickly than the actual DNA parts so it is an indicator to when to turn off the power on the electrophoresis chamberThe dye also makes the DNA visible to the naked eye, giving it a purplish color, and making it easier to work with.

10.02: Demonstrate approved safety practices while conducting scientific experiments in a biotechnology laboratory.Biotechnology Lab EquipmentUse of Laboratory Equipment1. A graduated cylinder is used to measure the volume of liquids. Readings should always be taken at the MENISCUS, at the lowest part of the curve.2. When using a water bath to thaw semen straws, the bath should be heated to 99 F and the straws submersed for 45 seconds immediately upon removal from the storage tank.Use of Laboratory Equipment3. To avoid air bubbles and extract the correct amount of solution utilizing a micropipette, the tip must be completely submerged in the solution.4. Proper use of a centrifuge requires that the instrument be balanced. This can be accomplished by placing and equal number of tubes directly across from each other in the instrument.Laboratory Equipment Safety1. Check all gauges & valves before using an autoclave. Never leave equipment unattended while running, as high temperatures and pressure can be dangerous.2. When culturing bacteria, it is important that the incubator remains closed, and the plates tightly sealed.10.03: Prepare records, presentations, and reports detailing scientific research, experiments and labs utilizing computer technology. Biotechnology Lab EquipmentLogging Scientific Data1. Most easily accomplished in a database program ex: Microsoft Excel2. Abilities include:a. Easy input of large amounts of data in table formb. Quick manipulation of data including; sorting, labeling, and the creation of charts / graphs.c. Can handle both qualitative & quantitative data.Publishing Scientific Findings 1. Word processors are usually used to prepare scientific reports- ex: Microsoft Word or Apple Works.2. Abilities include:a. Allow quick entry and manipulation of large amounts of text.b. Easy import of graphics and charts from other programs.c. Ability to include hyperlinks and export layout to html.Presenting Research Findings 1. Accomplished in a specialized presentation program- ex: Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote.2. Abilities include:a. Easy display of text points (bullets), graphics, charts and even video.b. Highly visual and interactive method for the presentation of research findings.c. Animation and sound can be used for increased emphasis.